Cost of Living in Louisa County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Louisa County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Louisa County ranks #1,409 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Louisa County, Virginia
Louisa hits the national affordability sweet spot
Louisa County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly at the national average, while household income of $80,343 runs 7% above the U.S. median. This central Virginia county delivers balanced affordability without the extremes found elsewhere.
Slightly above state average on affordability
Louisa's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio runs just below Virginia's 18.6% state average, placing it firmly in the middle tier of the state's counties. It's a solid choice for middle-income families seeking reasonable housing costs.
Moderate pricing, moderate income
Louisa's $1,208 rent and $80,343 household income fall between the rural cheap counties (Lancaster, King and Queen) and the pricier suburban options (King William, King George). It offers true middle ground in both cost and earning power.
Balanced burden for renters and owners
Renters pay $1,208 monthly and homeowners pay $1,244 on median homes valued at $275,600, creating nearly identical affordability for both groups. With household income at $80,343, housing takes 18.0% of income—right at the conventional comfort threshold.
Louisa for balanced central Virginia living
If you earn $75,000–$85,000 and seek the middle ground between rural savings and suburban amenities, Louisa delivers $1,208 rent and $275,600 median home values. Compare to King William for similar pricing or Lancaster for lower rents in a more rural setting.
Cost of Living Advisory: Louisa County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Louisa County is affordable. The median rent is $1,208/month against a median household income of $80,343, putting rent at 18.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Louisa County is $1,208/month, while owner costs run $1,244/month. Renting saves approximately $36/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $48,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $53,314/year. With a median household income of $80,343, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Louisa County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Portsmouth city where rent averages $1,266/month, Louisa County is approximately 5% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Louisa County
Rent Burden
18.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,875
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.6%
of gross income
The median home in Louisa County may be a stretch
Median home value is $275,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,200 vs. your max of $1,875.
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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