Cost of Living in Gloucester County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Gloucester County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Gloucester County ranks #1,239 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Gloucester County, Virginia
Gloucester balances income and affordability
With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.4%, Gloucester County residents spend less on rent than the Virginia state average of 18.6%, though slightly above the national average. The county's median household income of $83,689 exceeds the national median by $8,934, providing cushion against Virginia's higher housing costs.
Upper-middle housing affordability
Gloucester ranks in the top third of Virginia counties for rent affordability, with its 16.4% rent-to-income ratio beating about 70% of state peers. At $1,144 monthly, median rent runs just $4 below the state average, reflecting a stable housing market.
Sweet spot between rural and wealthy
Gloucester's rent sits $364 above rural Giles County but $423 below wealthy Goochland, positioning it as a middle ground on Virginia's housing spectrum. Compared to Hampton, Gloucester rents are $202 cheaper while offering lower ownership costs and better affordability ratios.
Renting and buying both costly here
Renters spend 16.4% of income on a $1,144 monthly apartment, while homebuyers face $1,294 monthly payments—reflecting a median home value of $289,200. Combined with property taxes and insurance, housing takes roughly 30% of household earnings in Gloucester.
Gloucester offers suburban Virginia comfort
If you want Virginia's Tidewater region with above-average income and moderate affordability, Gloucester delivers both residential stability and reasonable costs. Compare it to neighboring communities—Giles offers cheaper rent if you go rural, while Goochland provides luxury if you go wealthy.
Cost of Living Advisory: Gloucester County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Gloucester County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,144/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Gloucester County is $1,144/month, while owner costs run $1,294/month. Renting saves approximately $150/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $45,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $55,457/year. With a median household income of $83,689, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Gloucester County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Virginia, Gloucester County is less affordable than Warren County by roughly 5% ($1,144/mo vs $1,199/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Gloucester County
Rent Burden
16.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,953
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.6%
of gross income
The median home in Gloucester County may be a stretch
Median home value is $289,200. Estimated monthly cost: $2,309 vs. your max of $1,953.
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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