Average Rent in Madison County, VA↑ Rents rising 2.8% YoY
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 6,263,796
Market Overview
Madison County, VA has rental prices ranging from $907/month to $1,609/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $913/month — 35% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $123,896/year, spending $913/month on a 1-bedroom represents 9% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Madison County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,096/month, Madison County ranks #27 most expensive of the 69 cities tracked in Virginia — pricier than 64% of all US cities in our data.
The Madison County Rental Market
The Madison County, VA area has a population of about 6,263,796 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 Madison County, VA have risen by $30/month (2.8%) over the past year, from $1,066 to $1,096. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
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 $36,520. The local median household income of $123,896 exceeds that threshold by $87,376, making Madison County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Madison County, VA has an unemployment rate of 3.2%, 0.7 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 ($426,828 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 FY2025Is 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)
Nearby Cities in VAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Charlottesville | $1,279 | $1,442 | $1,642 | $1,997 | — |
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
Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.
Living in Madison County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
Moving Cost Estimator
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Madison CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in VASee how Madison County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Madison CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋VA Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections