Cost of Living in Lee County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lee County ranks #1,386 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lee County, Virginia
Lee County's extreme affordability comes with trade-offs
Lee County's median rent of $725 and median home value of $98,700 are exceptional bargains, but the 20.6% rent-to-income ratio reveals the real story—household income of just $42,269 is 43% below the national median. Affordability here reflects very limited earning power rather than cheap housing markets.
Virginia's least affordable county by income
Lee's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio is the worst among Virginia counties shown here, exceeding the state average of 18.6% by 2 percentage points. This economically disadvantaged southwest Virginia county struggles despite having the lowest absolute rents in the state.
Cheapest housing, lowest wages
Lee's $725 rent and $98,700 median home value far undercut neighboring rural counties, but household income of $42,269 falls dramatically short of King William ($85,212) and Louisa ($80,343). This is a low-cost, low-income county with limited job market opportunities.
Housing affordable, income inadequate
Renters pay $725 monthly and homeowners pay just $408, making housing costs remarkably low in absolute terms. Yet household income of $42,269 means housing still consumes 20.6% of income for renters—a burden for an already struggling community.
Lee County for retired or remote workers
Lee's $725 rent and $98,700 home prices attract retirees on fixed incomes and remote workers earning outside the county, but local job markets are limited. Weigh the extreme affordability against limited economic opportunity and regional isolation before relocating.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lee County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Lee County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $725/month in gross rent, with 38.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lee County pay $725/month on average, compared to $408/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 44%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $17,486/year. With a median household income of $42,269, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 38.0% of renter households in Lee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Giles County where rent averages $780/month, Lee County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lee County
Rent Burden
20.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$986
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lee County
Median home value is $98,700. Estimated monthly cost: $788 vs. your max of $986.
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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