Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$49,883$4,157 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Smyth County, VA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Smyth County, VA
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Smyth County, VA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $642 | $7,704 | $25,680 | 15.4% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $753 | $9,036 | $30,120 | 18.1% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $914 | $10,968 | $36,560 | 22% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,191 | $14,292 | $47,640 | 28.7% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,429 | $17,148 | $57,160 | 34.4% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Smyth County, VA
Based on the local median household income of $49,883/year ($4,157/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
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.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Virginia with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Smyth County, VA
What is the median household income in Smyth County, VA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Smyth County, VA is $49,883 per year (approximately $4,157 per month).
What is the average rent in Smyth County, VA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Smyth County, VA are $642 for a studio, $753 for 1 bedroom, $914 for 2 bedrooms, $1,191 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,429 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Smyth County, VA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Smyth County, 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 Smyth County, VA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($914/month) in Smyth County, VA requires a minimum gross household income of $36,560 per year ($3,047 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Smyth County, VA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $49,883/year ($4,157/month) in Smyth County, VA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,078/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,247/month to discretionary spending, and $831/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Smyth County, 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.