Cost of Living in Washington County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Washington County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Washington County ranks #756 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Washington County, Virginia
Washington County: truly affordable rents
Washington County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio beats both Virginia's state average (18.6%) and the national affordability benchmark, with rents at just $832 monthly. The median household income of $62,774 runs below the national average of $74,755, yet housing affordability remains exceptional.
One of Virginia's best rental bargains
Washington County ranks among the state's most affordable counties for renters, combining low rents ($832) with a manageable income-to-cost ratio. At 15.9%, the rent burden trails Virginia's 18.6% average, making housing stress noticeably lower than typical for the state.
Cheaper rents than most neighbors
Washington's $832 rent undercuts Warren ($1,199), Virginia Beach ($1,649), Waynesboro ($972), and Westmoreland ($991), rivaling only Tazewell ($738). For homebuyers, Washington's median home value of $201,800 sits mid-range—affordable compared to Warren and Virginia Beach but pricier than Tazewell.
Both rents and ownership stay cheap
Renters spend $832 monthly (15.9% of income) while homeowners pay $714 for properties valued at $201,800—making ownership remarkably affordable. This county shows rare affordability across both rental and ownership markets, suggesting healthy housing stock diversity.
Washington County: real affordability
Washington County offers authentic housing affordability—rents below $850 and home values under $202,000 with a rent-to-income ratio below 16%. Relocators seeking genuine housing cost relief should prioritize Washington over pricier Virginia Beach or Warren County.
Cost of Living Advisory: Washington County
Affordability Verdict
Washington County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $832/month — about 15.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Washington County pay $832/month on average, compared to $714/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 14%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,600/year. With a median household income of $62,774, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Washington County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Virginia, Washington County is less affordable than Appomattox County by roughly 6% ($832/mo vs $883/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Washington County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,465
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.6%
of gross income
The median home in Washington County may be a stretch
Median home value is $201,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,611 vs. your max of $1,465.
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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