Cost of Living in Tazewell County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Tazewell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Tazewell County ranks #1,606 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Tazewell County, Virginia
Tazewell has low income, low rent
Tazewell County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above Virginia's average of 18.6%, but the absolute rents are far below national norms at just $738 monthly. The trade-off: a median household income of $45,788—significantly below the national average of $74,755.
Virginia's most affordable rents
Tazewell County boasts the lowest median rent among these eight Virginia counties at $738—nearly $400 below the state average. However, its below-average income means the affordability ratio remains slightly worse than state average, reflecting a county facing economic headwinds.
The bargain for renters
Tazewell's $738 rent significantly undercuts Washington County ($832), Sussex ($952), and Warren ($1,199), making it the region's cheapest rental market. Homebuyers also find rock-bottom prices with a $116,100 median home value—less than half of Warren County's $315,800.
Cheap housing, tight paychecks
Renters dedicate $738 monthly (19.3% of income) while homeowners spend $552—making ownership dramatically more affordable than renting in Tazewell. Yet the median household income of $45,788 means even these low housing costs consume significant household resources.
Tazewell: lowest cost, lowest income
Tazewell offers Virginia's cheapest rents and homes, ideal if you're relocating for housing affordability alone. But factor in the lower local wages—compare job prospects carefully against higher-income counties like Warren or Virginia Beach before moving.
Cost of Living Advisory: Tazewell County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Tazewell County is affordable. The median rent is $738/month against a median household income of $45,788, putting rent at 19.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Tazewell County is $738/month, while owner costs run $552/month. Owning saves approximately $186/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,657/year. With a median household income of $45,788, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Tazewell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Carroll County where rent averages $687/month, Tazewell County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Tazewell County
Rent Burden
19.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,068
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Tazewell County
Median home value is $116,100. Estimated monthly cost: $927 vs. your max of $1,068.
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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