Cost of Living in Greene County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Greene County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Greene County ranks #1,544 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Greene County, Virginia
Greene's housing strains mid-income earners
Greene County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% ranks worst in this comparison and significantly exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6%. Despite a solid median household income of $85,268—above the national average—residents dedicate the highest share of earnings to rent relative to their incomes in this peer group.
Below-average affordability among peers
Greene County ranks in the bottom third of Virginia counties for housing affordability, with its 21.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeding the state average. The county's $1,502 median rent is 32% above the state average, driven by proximity to affluent Northern Virginia markets.
Mountain premium pulls rents up
Greene's $1,502 rent exceeds Grayson's $712 by $790 monthly, yet incomes run only $42,404 higher—making Greene's affordability surprisingly worse than nearby rural counties. Compared to Goochland to the east, Greene rents are $65 cheaper, but the income advantage swings the affordability advantage to Goochland.
Rent bite is significant here
At $1,502 monthly, median rent takes 21.1% of household income—the highest burden of any county here—while homeownership costs $1,353 monthly. Together, housing consumes over 32% of earnings, leaving a tight budget for other necessities in Greene County households.
Greene best for those with flexibility
Greene County's beautiful mountain setting comes with housing costs that strain typical budgets, making it riskier than nearby alternatives. Consider Grayson or Halifax to the south for cheaper rents, or Goochland to the east if your income exceeds $100,000—you'll find better affordability ratios.
Cost of Living Advisory: Greene County
Affordability Verdict
Greene County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,502/month — about 21.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,502/month rent versus $1,353/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $149/month cheaper — a 10% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $60,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $57,986/year. With a median household income of $85,268, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Greene County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Greene County sits 4% less expensive than Fauquier County ($1,561/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Greene County
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,990
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.0%
of gross income
The median home in Greene County may be a stretch
Median home value is $315,300. Estimated monthly cost: $2,517 vs. your max of $1,990.
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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