Cost of Living in Patrick County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Patrick County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Patrick County ranks #771 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Patrick County, Virginia
Patrick County offers accessible housing costs
Patrick County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below national averages, delivering genuine affordability in rural Southwest Virginia. Although the median household income of $50,938 falls 32% below the national median, the county's $721 rent keeps housing costs proportionally light.
Patrick County edges below state average
At 17.0%, Patrick County's rent-to-income ratio beats Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the commonwealth's most affordable counties. The county's $721 median rent runs $419 below the state median of $1,140, reflecting the lower cost of living in rural Southwest Virginia.
Patrick County ties for best affordability
Patrick County's $721 rent sits between Norton city ($670) and Page County ($851), while its 17.0% ratio ties Page County for the best balance among these Southwest Virginia communities. The county's modest income base makes this combination genuinely accessible for working families.
Patrick County's budget-friendly housing
Renters spend $721 monthly while homeowners commit just $512—making homeownership significantly cheaper than renting for those who can qualify. On a median income of $50,938, housing costs consume 17% of earnings whether renting or buying, leaving meaningful room for families to thrive.
Patrick County: rural affordability wins
Patrick County attracts budget-conscious movers seeking rural Virginia living with exceptional affordability, featuring median home values under $147,000 and rents near $721. Families earning the county median of $50,938 will find both renting and buying comfortably sustainable here.
Cost of Living Advisory: Patrick County
Affordability Verdict
Patrick County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $721/month representing approximately 17.0% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Patrick County pay $721/month on average, compared to $512/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 29%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,943/year. With a median household income of $50,938, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Patrick County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Patrick County sits 8% more expensive than Norton city ($670/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Patrick County
Rent Burden
17.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,189
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Patrick County
Median home value is $146,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,170 vs. your max of $1,189.
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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