Cost of Living in Highland County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Highland County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Highland County ranks #440 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Highland County, Virginia
Highland County Delivers Rural Affordability
Highland County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio sits below Virginia's state average of 18.6%, showcasing strong housing affordability in a rural setting. Though median household income of $62,946 trails the national median by 16%, housing costs scale down enough to preserve genuine accessibility.
Top-Tier Affordability Across Virginia
Highland County ranks among Virginia's most affordable counties, with a 16.4% rent-to-income ratio matching Hanover and Isle of Wight despite substantially lower incomes. This mountain county delivers the affordability advantage of rural living without the income sacrifice some lower-cost areas face.
Mountain Living with Reasonable Costs
Highland's median rent of $859 sits above Henry County ($705) but well below Harrisonburg ($1,120) and urban alternatives, offering middle ground. At $62,946 income, Highland residents earn more than Henry ($48,445) and comparable amounts to Harrisonburg ($59,752), making housing proportionally affordable.
Rural Income Meets Rural Costs
Highland renters spend $859 monthly—16.4% of a $62,946 median income—leaving substantial room for other expenses despite moderate local earnings. Homeowners face $571 monthly costs with median values of $195,700, an excellent price point for buyers willing to embrace rural living.
Highland County for Remote Workers
If you're relocating with remote income or telecommuting flexibility, Highland County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio and mountain setting offer exceptional value. The county proves that Virginia affordability doesn't require sacrificing quality of life—just a willingness to embrace a quieter, rural pace.
Cost of Living Advisory: Highland County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Highland County is affordable. The median rent is $859/month against a median household income of $62,946, putting rent at 16.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Highland County pay $859/month on average, compared to $571/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 34%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,471/year. With a median household income of $62,946, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 37.0% of renter households in Highland County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Virginia, Highland County is more affordable than Danville city by roughly 6% ($859/mo vs $808/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Highland County
Rent Burden
16.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,469
per month
Owner Cost Burden
10.9%
of gross income
The median home in Highland County may be a stretch
Median home value is $195,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,562 vs. your max of $1,469.
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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