RentData

Average Rent in Harrisonburg, VA↓ Rents falling 4.4% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 136,231

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Harrisonburg, VA has rental prices ranging from $1,038/month to $2,034/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,044/month — 25% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $72,145/year, spending $1,044/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Harrisonburg Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,264/month, Harrisonburg ranks #12 most expensive of the 69 cities tracked in Virginia — pricier than 80% of all US cities in our data.

The Harrisonburg Rental Market

The Harrisonburg, VA area has a population of about 136,231 and 37% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Harrisonburg, VA have fallen by $58/month (4.4%) over the past year, from $1,322 to $1,264. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Harrisonburg, VA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $41,760. The local median household income of $72,145 exceeds that threshold by $30,385, making Harrisonburg relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Harrisonburg, VA is $351,999, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 23.2. With a break-even horizon of approximately 23 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 Harrisonburg's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Pheasant Acres ($247,416 median home value), Northeast ($265,571 median home value), Reherd Acres ($272,090 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.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,038
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,044
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,264
↓4.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,728
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,034
Average
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Median Home Value
$351,999
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,873/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Harrisonburg, 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
$50,560/year
Local median income: $72,145
To buy a median home
$74,939/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,264/month and 20% down on a $351,999 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 Harrisonburg?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Harrisonburg data

$
Home Value
$351,999
2BR Rent
$1,264/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,873/mo
🏠 Buy

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

Total monthly buy cost: $2,592/movs rent: $1,264/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $351,999 home at 7% rate

20% — $70,400
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,873
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$281,599
Total Paid
$674,455
Total Interest
$392,856
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Harrisonburg

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Harrisonburg

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Harrisonburg

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Harrisonburg

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in VA

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⚖️Compare Harrisonburg

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📋VA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections