Average Rent in Blacksburg, VA↑ Rents rising 5.4% YoY🔺 10th priciest in VA

Blacksburg, VA has rental prices ranging from $1,043/month to $2,048/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,050/month — 25% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,627/year, spending $1,050/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Blacksburg Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,340/month, Blacksburg ranks #10 most expensive of the 69 cities tracked in Virginia — pricier than 83% of all US cities in our data.

The Blacksburg Rental Market

The Blacksburg, VA area has a population of about 181,605 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Blacksburg, VA have risen by $69/month (5.4%) over the past year, from $1,271 to $1,340. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Blacksburg, VA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $42,000. The local median household income of $64,627 exceeds that threshold by $22,627, making Blacksburg relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Blacksburg, VA is $412,880, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 25.7. With a break-even horizon of approximately 26 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Blacksburg's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Ellett/Jennelle ($265,562 median home value), Kabrich Crescent ($278,139 median home value), Shenandoah ($323,778 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Blacksburg, VA Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Blacksburg?

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

Living in Blacksburg

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