Average Rent in Essex County, VA↓ Rents falling 3.4% YoY

Essex County, VA has rental prices ranging from $810/month to $1,438/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $815/month — 42% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $56,481/year, spending $815/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Essex County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,006/month, Essex County ranks #25 most expensive of the 68 cities tracked in Virginia — pricier than 65% of all US cities in our data.

The Essex County Rental Market

The Essex County, VA area has a population of about 10,604 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Essex County, VA have fallen by $35/month (3.4%) over the past year, from $1,041 to $1,006. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Essex County, VA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $32,600. The local median household income of $56,481 exceeds that threshold by $23,881, making Essex County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Essex County, VA has an unemployment rate of 4.1%, 0.2 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Is Essex County, VA Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Essex County?

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

Living in Essex County

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