Cost of Living in Smyth County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Smyth County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Smyth County ranks #886 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Smyth County, Virginia
Smyth County's Rental Advantage
Smyth County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio matches Scott County's, offering households exceptional affordability compared to the national average. At just $692 per month, renters here spend roughly 40% less than the national median while earning a median household income of $46,859.
Virginia's Affordability Sweet Spot
Smyth County ties with Scott as one of Virginia's most affordable counties, with a 17.7% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 18.6%. This consistent value positions Smyth as a genuine refuge for budget-conscious families statewide.
Southwest Virginia's Affordable Trio
Smyth County's $692 rent matches the affordability profile of neighboring Scott County, creating a cluster of exceptionally low-cost housing in Southwest Virginia. Moving northeast toward Shenandoah County ($968 rent) or further to Spotsylvania ($1,733) reveals how dramatically costs rise outside this affordable corridor.
Compact Housing Costs
Smyth County renters spend $692 monthly while homeowners pay $491—an unusually tight spread reflecting the county's overall affordability. With median home values of $125,800, both paths to housing security remain within reach for the $46,859 median household income.
Smyth County: Affordability Meets Community
If budget is your primary relocation driver, Smyth County stands among Virginia's most accessible options with rents under $700 and homes near $126,000. Test your affordability assumptions by comparing these costs to your current location and other Virginia counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Smyth County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Smyth County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $692/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $692/month rent versus $491/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $201/month cheaper — a 29% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,043/year. With a median household income of $46,859, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Smyth County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Smyth County sits 10% less expensive than Halifax County ($769/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Smyth County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,093
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Smyth County
Median home value is $125,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,004 vs. your max of $1,093.
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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