Cost of Living in Russell County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Russell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Russell County ranks #494 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 16%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Russell County, Virginia
Russell County: ultra-affordable rural gem
Russell County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% is among the lowest profiled, even though median household income of $49,020 is the lowest of all eight counties. This southwestern county achieves genuine affordability through exceptionally low rents and home values, not high incomes.
Virginia's cheapest housing by far
Russell County's median rent of $682 is the lowest statewide and 40% cheaper than Virginia's state average of $1,140, while the 16.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the most affordable Virginia jurisdictions. These extreme cost advantages come with rural trade-offs that won't suit every relocator.
Dramatically cheaper than all peers
Russell County's $682 median rent is less than half of neighboring Roanoke County ($1,148) and substantially below all other profiled counties. Home values of $119,600 represent the lowest in the group, offering true entry-level homeownership opportunities vanishingly rare in today's market.
Minimal housing burden despite low income
Renters spend just $682 monthly while homeowners pay $467 from a median income of only $49,020. At 16.7%, the rent-to-income ratio actually rivals more affluent counties, proving that Russell County's ultra-low housing costs enable manageable expenses even on modest earnings.
Maximum value for budget-first relocators
Russell County is unmatched for pure affordability: median rents and home values are the lowest statewide, making homeownership achievable on modest incomes. If you can accept rural isolation and limited urban amenities, this Appalachian county offers exceptional financial breathing room.
Cost of Living Advisory: Russell County
Affordability Verdict
Russell County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $682/month representing approximately 16.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Russell County is $682/month, while owner costs run $467/month. Owning saves approximately $215/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $20,014/year. With a median household income of $49,020, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Russell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Dickenson County where rent averages $733/month, Russell County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Russell County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,144
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Russell County
Median home value is $119,600. Estimated monthly cost: $955 vs. your max of $1,144.
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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