Virginia · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Emporia city, VA

The median household in Emporia city, VA earns $51,899 a year ($4,325/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,001/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $40,040 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 1.1% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$51,899$4,325 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,001HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)101.1+1.1% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate17.2¢per kWh · EIA Residential VA
Census Population5,547Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Emporia city, VA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,001Monthly market rent
Share of gross income23.1%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$40,040To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,297At 30% of $51,899
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Emporia city, VA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Greensville County-Emporia city, VA HUD Nonmetro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Emporia city, VA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$764$9,168$30,56017.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment$769$9,228$30,76017.8%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,001$12,012$40,04023.1%
3-Bedroom Home$1,392$16,704$55,68032.2%
4-Bedroom Home$1,679$20,148$67,16038.8%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Emporia city, VA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Emporia city, VA

Based on the local median household income of $51,899/year ($4,325/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,162/moRent ($1,001 2-BR), utilities (~$155/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,297/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 101.1 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$865/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Virginia

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Virginia state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$51,899
$20,000$105,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$51,899
Net 80%
Fed 8%
VA 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$41,711After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,476Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,604Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.6%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$4,048 / yr
Virginia state income tax$2,170 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,970 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Virginia with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Emporia city, VA

What is the median household income in Emporia city, VA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Emporia city, VA is $51,899 per year (approximately $4,325 per month).

What is the average rent in Emporia city, VA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Emporia city, VA are $764 for a studio, $769 for 1 bedroom, $1,001 for 2 bedrooms, $1,392 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,679 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Emporia city, VA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Emporia city, VA is 101.1 (1.1% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Emporia city, VA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,001/month) in Emporia city, VA requires a minimum gross household income of $40,040 per year ($3,337 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Emporia city, VA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $51,899/year ($4,325/month) in Emporia city, VA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,162/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,297/month to discretionary spending, and $865/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Emporia city, VA?

Residential electricity rates in Virginia average 17.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $155 per month.