Cost of Living in York County, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How York County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
York County ranks #1,349 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in York County, Virginia
York County: affluent enclave with manageable costs
York County breaks the affordability paradox, combining the highest median household income ($108,326) with a respectable 19.7% rent-to-income ratio—well below the 30% affordability ceiling and actually better than Williamsburg's 23.3%. Median rent of $1,777 and owner costs of $1,800 rank highest among these five markets, but higher wages make them sustainable for this Peninsula powerhouse.
York County leads Virginia in household income
York County's median household income of $108,326 towers 46% above Virginia's state average and dramatically exceeds all four peer counties analyzed, anchoring strong affordability despite housing costs that rival major metros. The county's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio sits above the state average of 18.6%, yet remains manageable thanks to the income foundation supporting it.
York County: prosperity with premium housing
York County renters pay $1,777 monthly—$416 more than Williamsburg and $1,059 more than Wise County—yet spend only 19.7% of income on housing because median income here ($108,326) dwarfs all peer markets. Homeowners face $1,800 monthly costs, but this represents a sustainable 19.9% of income, a burden unthinkable in southwestern Virginia.
York County: premium housing on premium wages
York County residents allocate 19.7% of their $108,326 median household income to median rent of $1,777, and homeowners commit 19.9% to owner costs of $1,800—both sustainable burdens that remain well below the 30% threshold. This financial cushion allows York County households to afford median home values of $411,200, the highest in this analysis.
York County rewards high earners seeking stability
York County's waterfront access, strong schools, and proximity to Hampton Roads make it Virginia's most desirable—and most expensive—housing market among these five, but the high median income of $108,326 makes costs sustainable. If you're relocating with household income exceeding $90,000, York County's premium neighborhoods and 19.7% affordability ratio offer genuine opportunity.
Cost of Living Advisory: York County
Affordability Verdict
York County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,777/month representing approximately 19.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in York County is $1,777/month, while owner costs run $1,800/month. Renting saves approximately $23/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $71,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $77,143/year. With a median household income of $108,326, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in York County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Manassas city where rent averages $1,835/month, York County is approximately 3% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in York County
Rent Burden
19.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,528
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.9%
of gross income
The median home in York County may be a stretch
Median home value is $411,200. Estimated monthly cost: $3,283 vs. your max of $2,528.
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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