Cost of Living in Fauquier County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fauquier County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fauquier County ranks #787 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fauquier County, Virginia
Fauquier Beats National Affordability
Fauquier County residents spend just 14.5% of their income on rent, well below the national norm and significantly better than the typical American renter. With a median household income of $129,495—73% above the national median of $74,755—housing remains comfortably affordable for most renters here.
Virginia's Most Affordable Region
Fauquier ranks among Virginia's most affordable counties, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.5% compared to the state average of 18.6%. This advantage stems from both strong incomes and relatively moderate rents for the region.
Pricier Than Rural Neighbors
Fauquier's median rent of $1,561 significantly exceeds nearby Floyd County ($826) and Franklin County ($797), reflecting its proximity to Northern Virginia's job markets. However, Fauquier's higher incomes—$129,495 vs Floyd's $61,401—keep the affordability burden in check.
Income Comfortably Covers Costs
Renters in Fauquier spend $1,561 monthly while homeowners pay $2,110, leaving households with strong income cushion after housing expenses. Just 14.5% of median income goes toward rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold that most experts recommend.
Consider Fauquier for Balance
If you're relocating for better affordability without sacrificing income potential, Fauquier offers strong regional wages and reasonable housing costs. Compare this county's rent-to-income ratio (14.5%) against your current market to assess the financial gain of a move here.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fauquier County
Affordability Verdict
Fauquier County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,561/month — about 14.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Fauquier County pay $1,561/month on average, compared to $2,110/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 26%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $62,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $90,429/year. With a median household income of $129,495, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Fauquier County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Virginia, Fauquier County is more affordable than Greene County by roughly 4% ($1,561/mo vs $1,502/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fauquier County
Rent Burden
14.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$3,022
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.6%
of gross income
The median home in Fauquier County may be a stretch
Median home value is $543,700. Estimated monthly cost: $4,341 vs. your max of $3,022.
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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