Cost of Living in Frederick County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Frederick County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Frederick County ranks #1,117 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 36%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Frederick County, Virginia
Frederick County Fairly Affordable
Frederick County renters spend 17.6% of income on housing, beating both the Virginia average (18.6%) and positioning affordably against national standards. With a median household income of $95,603—28% above the national median—Frederick offers solid middle-class housing value.
Upper-Middle Affordability Tier
Frederick County ranks in Virginia's more affordable regions with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.6%, better than the state average of 18.6%. The county attracts working professionals with reasonable housing costs relative to regional wage levels.
Pricier Than Rural, Less Pricey Than Suburbs
Frederick's $1,402 median rent sits between affordable rural counties (Floyd at $826) and expensive Northern Virginia (Fauquier at $1,561), with incomes ($95,603) positioned similarly. It's a transitional zone between rural and suburban Virginia markets.
Strong Income Supports Housing
Frederick County renters pay $1,402 monthly while homeowners spend $1,448, claiming 17.6% of median income for rent. This leaves households robust income for savings and other expenses, well within recommended affordability guidelines.
Frederick Fits Growing Families
Frederick County appeals to relocating professionals seeking affordable suburban living with median incomes near $95,600 and 17.6% rent-to-income ratio. Explore Frederick alongside Fauquier and Fluvanna to find your ideal balance of cost and opportunity.
Cost of Living Advisory: Frederick County
Affordability Verdict
Frederick County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,402/month — about 17.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Frederick County is $1,402/month, while owner costs run $1,448/month. Renting saves approximately $46/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $56,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $62,057/year. With a median household income of $95,603, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Frederick County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Virginia, Frederick County is less affordable than Charlottesville city by roughly 4% ($1,402/mo vs $1,453/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Frederick County
Rent Burden
17.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,231
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
The median home in Frederick County may be a stretch
Median home value is $355,000. Estimated monthly cost: $2,834 vs. your max of $2,231.
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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