Cost of Living in Wythe County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wythe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wythe County ranks #815 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wythe County, Virginia
Wythe County achieves genuine affordability balance
Wythe County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio stands out as the lowest among these five markets and below Virginia's 18.6% state average, proving that lower-income communities can still offer sustainable housing costs. Median rent of just $718 monthly keeps housing affordable even for the county's $55,359 median household income, a sharp contrast to coastal Virginia markets.
Wythe County leads Virginia in housing affordability
Wythe County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio is the state's best among these analyzed markets, outperforming Virginia's 18.6% average through a winning formula of modestly lower wages paired with substantially lower rents. At $718 monthly, median rent is just 63% of Virginia's statewide average, making this southwestern county the clear affordability winner.
Wythe edges out Wise in affordability advantage
Wythe County's $718 median rent undercuts Wise County's $770 by $52 monthly, delivering the lowest rent among all five markets analyzed and a superior 15.6% rent-to-income ratio versus Wise's 18.2%. Both southwestern counties offer genuine affordability, but Wythe achieves it with the smallest housing-cost burden on household budgets.
Wythe: affordability through modest costs
Wythe County residents allocate just 15.6% of their $55,359 median household income to median rent of $718—the lowest burden among all five counties and below the sustainable 30% threshold. Homeowners commit $598 monthly (13% of income) on median-valued properties of $172,100, leaving 86% of income for other necessities and discretionary spending.
Wythe County: Virginia's hidden affordability gem
Wythe County offers the most sustainable housing-to-income ratio in this analysis, making it ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability over urban amenities. If you're relocating and housing costs drive your decision, Wythe County's $718 median rent and 15.6% burden make it Virginia's clearest win for budget-conscious movers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wythe County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Wythe County is affordable. The median rent is $718/month against a median household income of $55,359, putting rent at 15.6% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $718/month rent versus $598/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $120/month cheaper — a 17% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,629/year. With a median household income of $55,359, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Wythe County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Halifax County where rent averages $769/month, Wythe County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wythe County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,292
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.0%
of gross income
The median home in Wythe County may be a stretch
Median home value is $172,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,374 vs. your max of $1,292.
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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