RentData

Average Rent in Madison County, VA Rents falling 11.3% YoY

HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 13,931

Data review: HUD FY2021Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction
⚠️ Data notice: The most recent HUD data available for this area is FY2021. HUD may have reclassified this metro — figures may not reflect current market conditions.

Market Overview

Madison County, VA has rental prices ranging from $621/month to $1,361/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $700/month — 50% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $82,972/year, spending $700/month on a 1-bedroom represents 10% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Madison County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $922/month, Madison County ranks #31 most expensive of the 68 cities tracked in Virginia — more affordable than 65% of all US cities in our data.

The Madison County Rental Market

The Madison County, VA area has a population of about 13,931 and 20% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Madison County, VA have fallen by $118/month (11.3%) over the past year, from $1,040 to $922. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Madison County, VA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,000. The local median household income of $82,972 exceeds that threshold by $54,972, making Madison County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Madison County, VA has an unemployment rate of 3.1%, 0.8 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Madison County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Leon ($426,033 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2021
Studio
$621
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$700
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$922
11.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,147
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,361
Affordable
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Is Madison County, VA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$36,880/year
Local median income: $82,972
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $922/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in VAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Warren County$983$989$1,298$1,744
King and Queen County$1,152$1,197$1,325$1,645
Richmond$1,488$1,545$1,711$2,166
Roanoke$892$948$1,141$1,597
Lynchburg$1,043$1,062$1,200$1,647
Charlottesville$1,404$1,487$1,729$2,155

Rent or Buy in Madison County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Madison County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$922/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $922/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Madison County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Madison County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Madison County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in VA

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⚖️Compare Madison County

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📋VA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections