Cost of Living in Carroll County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carroll County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carroll County ranks #353 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carroll County, Virginia
Carroll County offers America's cheapest housing
Carroll County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's lowest, powered by $687 monthly rents and $470 owner costs. At these prices, even households earning below the national median find housing highly affordable.
Virginia's most affordable rental market
Carroll County claims Virginia's lowest median rent at $687 monthly—40% below the state median of $1,140—while maintaining a 15.7% rent-to-income ratio better than the state average. The county stands alone as Virginia's housing bargain.
Half the rent of most neighbors
Carroll's $687 rent costs 21% less than Charlotte ($682) and dramatically undercuts Buckingham ($874), Campbell ($853), and Buena Vista ($1,067). Only Charlotte approaches Carroll's ultra-low pricing in the region.
Housing expenses shrink to bare minimum
Carroll County renters allocate just 15.7% of their $52,575 income to $687 monthly rent, while owner-occupants spend 10.7% on $470 mortgage payments. Few American counties offer such low absolute costs and low affordability burdens combined.
Carroll County is the ultimate budget choice
If minimizing housing costs is your priority, Carroll County delivers unmatched affordability with $144,200 median homes and $687 rents available nowhere else in Virginia. Compare its ultra-low prices to Charlotte County's similar but slightly higher costs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carroll County
Affordability Verdict
Carroll County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $687/month — about 15.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Carroll County is $687/month, while owner costs run $470/month. Owning saves approximately $217/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,143/year. With a median household income of $52,575, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Carroll County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Tazewell County where rent averages $738/month, Carroll County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carroll County
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,227
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Carroll County
Median home value is $144,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,151 vs. your max of $1,227.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
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.
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