Cost of Living in Wise County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wise County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wise County ranks #1,189 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 38%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wise County, Virginia
Wise County delivers rare national affordability
Wise County punches above its weight in affordability, with renters paying just 18.2% of the $50,740 median household income toward rent—actually favoring renters compared to national norms. At $770 monthly, median rent here is less than a third of what Williamsburg renters pay, making this southwestern corner one of Virginia's genuine housing bargains.
Wise County: Virginia's most affordable housing market
Wise County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly at the Virginia state average of 18.6%, but achieves this through dramatically lower rent rather than higher wages—median rent of just $770 versus the state average of $1,140. This affordability translates to homeowners too, who pay $615 monthly on median home values of $116,500.
Wise and Wythe offer genuine affordability refuge
Wise County renters pay $770 monthly compared to Williamsburg's $1,361, while Wythe County renters pay even less at $718—both southwestern Virginia counties delivering housing costs that don't consume household budgets. Wise County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% mirrors Wythe's formula: lower wages, but dramatically lower housing costs that make both markets genuinely affordable.
Wise County: modest income, modest costs
At $50,740 median household income, Wise County residents earn significantly less than state and national averages, yet their $770 median rent consumes just 18.2% of income—a sustainable burden. Homeowners pay $615 monthly (14.5% of income) on properties valued at $116,500, allowing genuine financial breathing room for this coal-country community.
Wise County welcomes budget-conscious relocators
If housing affordability is your priority, Wise County offers the lowest costs in this analysis—median rent under $800 and homeownership within reach for moderate incomes. Remote workers and retirees relocating here enjoy genuine cost savings, though consider whether the region's economic transition from coal mining aligns with your career or lifestyle goals.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wise County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Wise County is affordable. The median rent is $770/month against a median household income of $50,740, putting rent at 18.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Wise County pay $770/month on average, compared to $615/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 20%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $26,357/year. With a median household income of $50,740, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Wise County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Wise County sits 6% less expensive than Covington city ($822/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wise County
Rent Burden
18.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,184
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wise County
Median home value is $116,500. Estimated monthly cost: $930 vs. your max of $1,184.
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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