Cost of Living in Brunswick County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Brunswick County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Brunswick County, Virginia
Brunswick stretches tight budgets further
Brunswick County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% approaches the 30% affordability threshold, with a median income of $52,978 that trails the national average by over $21,000. Even though nominal rent is modest at $864, the low local wages create genuine affordability pressure.
Among Virginia's least affordable counties
Brunswick's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Virginia's 18.6% state average and reflects the county's economic challenges. The median household income of $52,978 ranks among the state's lowest, making even reasonably priced rents ($864) proportionally burdensome compared to wealthier regions.
Low income compounds moderate rents
Brunswick's $864 rent is reasonable compared to central Virginia ($951–$1,057) but exceeds the very cheapest counties like Bland ($683) and Buchanan ($712). The real problem: at $52,978, Brunswick's median income is lower than Bland's ($61,375) and Buchanan's ($42,216)—note that Buchanan is actually lower—making proportional housing costs higher.
Income-to-housing mismatch
Renters allocate $864 monthly (19.6% of income) while homeowners spend $703 (15.9% of income) on a median household income of $52,978. The gap reveals that renting consumes more of household earnings than homeowning, an unusual pattern reflecting the county's modest wage base and relatively low property values ($132,700).
Brunswick: best for homeowners with income
Brunswick County's 15.9% homeowner burden and $132,700 median home value suit buyers with external income sources or remote work. Renters face a tighter 19.6% squeeze, so weigh job prospects carefully—Brunswick's $52,978 median income may not stretch far without specialized employment or outside income support.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Brunswick County
Rent Burden
19.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,236
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Brunswick County
Median home value is $132,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,059 vs. your max of $1,236.
Rent Affordability Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.