RentData

Average Rent in Caroline County, VA

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 31,541

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Caroline County, VA has rental prices ranging from $866/month to $2,079/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,028/month — 27% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $86,267/year, spending $1,028/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Caroline County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,244/month, Caroline County ranks #16 most expensive of the 69 cities tracked in Virginia — pricier than 78% of all US cities in our data.

The Caroline County Rental Market

The Caroline County, VA area has a population of about 31,541 and 18% 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 Caroline County, VA have fallen by $2/month (0.2%) over the past year, from $1,246 to $1,244. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Caroline County, VA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $41,120. The local median household income of $86,267 exceeds that threshold by $45,147, making Caroline County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Caroline County, VA has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, 0.3 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.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$866
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,028
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,244
↓0.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,723
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,079
Affordable
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Is Caroline 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
$49,760/year
Local median income: $86,267
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,244/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in VAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Madison County$907$913$1,096$1,361—
Warren County$1,063$1,108$1,449$1,930—
King and Queen County$1,032$1,075$1,170$1,435—
Richmond$1,456$1,517$1,651$2,039—
Roanoke$1,186$1,250$1,464$2,022—
Lynchburg$965$971$1,117$1,547—

Rent or Buy in Caroline County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Caroline County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,244/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,244/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Caroline 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 Caroline County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Caroline County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in VA

See how Caroline County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Caroline County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋VA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections