Rent in Essex County, VA at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,113$13,356 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,155 (+3.8%)How much rent can you afford in Essex County, VA?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Essex County, VA by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $907 | $10,884 | $36,280 | $17.44/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $912 | $10,944 | $36,480 | $17.54/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,113 | $13,356 | $44,520 | $21.40/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,341 | $16,092 | $53,640 | $25.79/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,556 | $18,672 | $62,240 | $29.92/hr |
Cost of living in Essex County, VA: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Essex County, VA
Rent in Essex County, VA: common questions
How much is rent going up in Essex County, VA in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,155 for a two-bedroom, up 3.8% from $1,113. A one-bedroom goes from $912 to $942, a studio from $907 to $936.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Essex County, VA?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $912 for a one-bedroom and $1,113 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $13,356 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Essex County, VA?
To keep a $1,113 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $21.40 an hour, or $44,520 a year. A one-bedroom at $912 takes $17.54 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Essex County, VA?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $907, one bedroom $912, two $1,113, three $1,341 and four $1,556 a month.
Is rent affordable in Essex County, VA?
For the typical household, earning $56,520 a year ($4,710 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,113 takes 23.6% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,113 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $44,520. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $21.40 an hour.