Virginia Housing Affordability
What it takes to afford a home in Virginia, using Zillow Research home values and Census income data. Virginia ranks 26 of 51 states for estimated median-home affordability, with typical values about 18% above the cross-state median.
Virginia affordability summary
At a typical home value of $417,463 against Census ACS median household income of $90,974, Virginia scores 23/100 (stretched) for estimated buying affordability. A starter home runs about $243,078 (income needed ~$78,643); a 3-bedroom family home about $374,344 (income needed ~$121,114).
Sources — Home values & rent: Zillow Research, 2026-05 · Income: U.S. Census ACS. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Affordability by home type in Virginia
How the same income picture shifts across Zillow price tiers:
| Home type | Est. value | Est. payment | Income needed | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (bottom tier) | $243,078 | $1,835 | $78,643 | 63 |
| Median (mid tier) | $417,463 | $3,151 | $135,043 | 23 |
| Family home (3BR) | $374,344 | $2,826 | $121,114 | 29 |
Cities in Virginia
Major Virginia cities ranked by estimated buying-affordability score, using Zillow city home values and Census city income.
| # | City | Home value | Est. payment | Income needed | Rent burden | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chesapeake · VA | $425,007 | $3,208 | $137,486 | 26% | 24 |
| 2 | Lynchburg · VA | $267,771 | $2,021 | $86,614 | 26% | 24 |
| 3 | Virginia Beach · VA | $429,777 | $3,244 | $139,029 | 27% | 21 |
| 4 | Norfolk · VA | $312,659 | $2,360 | $101,143 | 33% | 19 |
| 5 | Roanoke · VA | $282,167 | $2,130 | $91,286 | 31% | 15 |
| 6 | Richmond · VA | $378,605 | $2,858 | $122,486 | 32% | 9 |
What different incomes can afford in Virginia
Estimated largest home price affordable at each income (10% down, 6.70% rate), compared with the $417,463 typical home:
| Household income | Est. max home price | Typical home in reach? |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $154,542 | Stretch |
| $75,000 | $231,814 | Stretch |
| $100,000 | $309,085 | Stretch |
| $150,000 | $463,627 | Likely |
Customize this scenario
Want to adjust down payment, taxes, PMI, insurance, or HOA? Open this scenario in the Home Payment Atlas mortgage calculator for full, personalized payment math.
Nearby & related states
- Maryland
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- All states ranked
Frequently asked questions
What income do you need to buy a home in Virginia?
With a typical (mid-tier) Virginia home around $417,463, the estimated payment is about $3,151/month, which generally calls for a household income near $135,043 (keeping housing close to 28% of gross income). A starter home (~$243,078) lowers that to roughly $78,643. Your real figure depends on down payment, rate, and local taxes — model it on Home Payment Atlas.
Is Virginia affordable compared with other states?
Virginia ranks 26 of 51 for estimated median-home buying affordability (score 23/100, stretched), with home values about 18% above the cross-state median. Compare it on the most affordable states ranking.
Where do these Virginia numbers come from?
Home values are Zillow Research ZHVI (2026-05); rent is the Zillow ZORI index; income is U.S. Census ACS median household income. They are estimates for comparison, not appraisals. Customize the mortgage math on the Virginia page on Home Payment Atlas.
About these estimates & data sources
Home values and rents reflect Zillow Research data (ZHVI and ZORI, 2026-05). Household income reflects U.S. Census ACS data. All figures are estimates for general comparison, not appraisals or quotes — confirm details before relying on them.
Home values and rent: Zillow Research (ZHVI, ZORI), 2026-05. Geography and FIPS codes: U.S. Census Bureau (Cartographic Boundary Files). Household income: U.S. Census ACS. Detailed payment math: Home Payment Atlas. Zillow does not endorse this site.
Figures are educational estimates only and are not financial, legal, tax, mortgage, or real-estate advice, and not a loan offer. Verify every number with lenders, agents, tax authorities, and official sources. See our methodology and terms & disclaimer.