Cost of Living in James City County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How James City County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
James City County ranks #934 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in James City County, Virginia
James City: Premium Living, Strong Affordability
At 16.7%, James City County's rent-to-income ratio sits below Virginia's state average of 18.6%, offering solid affordability in one of Virginia's most desirable communities. With a median household income of $107,046—43% above the national median—residents possess exceptional earning power relative to housing costs.
Virginia's Affluent Yet Accessible
James City County ranks among Virginia's most affordable wealthy communities, combining a 16.7% rent-to-income ratio with strong median income of $107,046. This Colonial Williamsburg-area county proves that premium living can coexist with genuine housing affordability when income aligns with costs.
Premium Prices, Premium Income
James City's median rent of $1,491 closely matches Hanover's $1,496 and Isle of Wight's $1,313, but its median home value of $419,200 stands highest among comparable counties. Yet with a $107,046 median income second only to Hanover ($109,504), James City residents have the purchasing power to afford these premium prices.
Strong Income Supports Premium Housing
James City renters spend $1,491 monthly—16.7% of a $107,046 median income—leaving ample resources for savings and discretionary spending. Homeowners face $1,624 monthly costs with median values of $419,200, but the county's exceptional income base makes both rental and owner-occupied housing manageable despite higher absolute prices.
James City: Premium Community, Fair Prices
Relocating to James City County gives you premium living—historic neighborhoods, Colonial Williamsburg proximity, strong schools—with a 16.7% rent-to-income ratio that rivals less affluent areas. If your household income matches or exceeds the median of $107,046, James City delivers unparalleled value for Virginia's most desirable communities.
Cost of Living Advisory: James City County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in James City County is affordable. The median rent is $1,491/month against a median household income of $107,046, putting rent at 16.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in James City County pay $1,491/month on average, compared to $1,624/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $59,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $69,600/year. With a median household income of $107,046, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in James City County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
James City County sits 3% less expensive than Chesterfield County ($1,542/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in James City County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,498
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
The median home in James City County may be a stretch
Median home value is $419,200. Estimated monthly cost: $3,347 vs. your max of $2,498.
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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