RentData

Average Rent in Smyth County, VA Rents falling 6.0% YoY🔻 7th cheapest in VA

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 29,585

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Smyth County, VA has rental prices ranging from $584/month to $1,383/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $722/month — 48% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $46,859/year, spending $722/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Smyth County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $851/month, Smyth County ranks #62 most expensive of the 68 cities tracked in Virginia — more affordable than 92% of all US cities in our data.

The Smyth County Rental Market

The Smyth County, VA area has a population of about 29,585 and 29% 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 Smyth County, VA have fallen by $54/month (6.0%) over the past year, from $905 to $851. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Smyth County, VA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,880. The local median household income of $46,859 exceeds that threshold by $17,979, making Smyth County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Smyth County, VA has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, 0.6 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.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$584
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$722
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$851
6.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,099
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,383
Average
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Is Smyth 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
$34,040/year
Local median income: $46,859
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $851/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$983$989$1,298$1,744
King and Queen County$1,152$1,197$1,325$1,645
Richmond$1,488$1,545$1,711$2,166
Roanoke$892$948$1,141$1,597
Lynchburg$1,043$1,062$1,200$1,647

Rent or Buy in Smyth County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Smyth County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$851/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $851/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Smyth 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 Smyth County

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💵Rent Affordability in Smyth County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in VA

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📋VA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections