Cost of Living in Pulaski County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pulaski County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pulaski County ranks #2,028 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pulaski County, Virginia
Pulaski delivers genuine affordability
Pulaski County achieves a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.1%, well below the comfortable 20–25% threshold, with median rent of only $815—the lowest among all eight counties. Though median household income of $60,767 trails the national median by $13,988, Pulaski's low rents more than compensate.
Best-in-class Virginia affordability
Pulaski's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% beats Virginia's state average of 18.6% by a meaningful margin, and its median rent of $815 is 29% cheaper than the state average. Pulaski ranks among Virginia's most affordable counties overall.
Rivals Prince Edward for lowest rents
Pulaski's median rent of $815 edges out Prince Edward's $898 by just $83 monthly, making both counties exceptional values. Both offer sub-$900 rents, though Pulaski's slightly lower rent-to-income ratio (16.1% vs 19.6%) gives it a marginal edge.
Rents and mortgages align affordably
Renters in Pulaski pay $815 monthly while homeowners face $841—remarkably similar costs—on a median home value of $182,500. With median household income at $60,767 annually ($5,064 monthly), housing consumes just 16% of income, leaving room for emergencies and savings.
Pulaski: Affordability meets stability
If you're relocating on a modest budget, Pulaski County offers the region's lowest rents ($815) and best affordability ratios (16.1%) without compromise. Remote workers and retirees with incomes above $50,000 will find genuine financial breathing room here.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pulaski County
Affordability Verdict
Pulaski County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $815/month representing approximately 16.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 25.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $815/month rent versus $841/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $26/month cheaper — a 3% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,043/year. With a median household income of $60,767, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Pulaski County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Virginia, Pulaski County is less affordable than Buckingham County by roughly 7% ($815/mo vs $874/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pulaski County
Rent Burden
16.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,418
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
The median home in Pulaski County may be a stretch
Median home value is $182,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,457 vs. your max of $1,418.
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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