Cost of Living in Stafford County, Virginia

$1,925/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$458,800
Median Home Value
69% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$1,925/mo
69% above state average
Median Home Value
$458,800
63% above national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
29.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Stafford County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Stafford County$1,925/mo
Virginia Average$1,140/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,925/mo
Median Gross Rent
$458,800
Median Home Value
$2,206/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
29.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Stafford County, Virginia

Stafford's Affluent Affordability Sweet Spot

Stafford County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average while commanding the state's highest median household income at $133,792. This combination delivers both reasonable housing costs and extraordinary earning power, positioning Stafford as Virginia's most prosperous county by income.

Virginia's Wealthiest County

Stafford County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Virginia's best while supporting a median household income of $133,792—nearly double the state and national medians. This exceptional combination reflects the county's status as a high-income suburban haven anchored by federal employment.

Stafford's Earnings Dominance

Stafford's $133,792 median household income dwarfs even neighboring Spotsylvania County's $109,576, while its $1,925 rent reflects comparable northern Virginia pricing. This income advantage means Stafford residents spend a smaller percentage of earnings on housing despite higher absolute costs.

Premium Pricing, Premium Incomes

Renters in Stafford pay $1,925 monthly while homeowners spend $2,206—the state's highest absolute housing costs—yet the $133,792 median income keeps the rent-to-income ratio at 17.3%. Median home values of $458,800 target dual-income professional households seeking northern Virginia's best schools and federal job access.

Stafford: For High-Earning Relocators

Stafford County offers the state's most expensive housing ($1,925 rents, $458,800 homes) paired with exceptional median income of $133,792—ideal for high-earning professionals relocating to D.C.-area jobs. Compare Stafford's premium costs against other northern Virginia counties to gauge value for your income level.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Stafford County

$

Rent Burden

17.3%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$3,122

per month

Owner Cost Burden

19.8%

of gross income

The median home in Stafford County may be a stretch

Median home value is $458,800. Estimated monthly cost: $3,663 vs. your max of $3,122.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio17.3%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Stafford County, Virginia?
Stafford County, Virginia has a median monthly rent of $1,925/mo and a median home value of $458,800. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 29.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Stafford County?
The median gross rent in Stafford County is $1,925/mo. This is 69% above state average for Virginia.
Is Stafford County affordable?
Stafford County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 29.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Stafford County's rent compare to the state average?
Stafford County's median rent of $1,925/mo is 69% above state average of $1,140/mo for Virginia.
What is the median home value in Stafford County?
The median home value in Stafford County, Virginia is $458,800. This is 63% above the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.