Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$137,807$11,484 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Stafford County, VA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Stafford County, VA
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 | $1,953 | $23,436 | $78,120 | 17% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $2,015 | $24,180 | $80,600 | 17.5% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $2,246 | $26,952 | $89,840 | 19.6% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,835 | $34,020 | $113,400 | 24.7% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $3,332 | $39,984 | $133,280 | 29% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Stafford County, VA
Based on the local median household income of $137,807/year ($11,484/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 Stafford County, VA
What is the median household income in Stafford County, VA?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Stafford County, VA is $137,807 per year (approximately $11,484 per month).
What is the average rent in Stafford County, VA?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Stafford County, VA are $1,953 for a studio, $2,015 for 1 bedroom, $2,246 for 2 bedrooms, $2,835 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,332 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Stafford County, VA compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Stafford County, VA is 108.9 (8.9% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Stafford County, VA?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,246/month) in Stafford County, VA requires a minimum gross household income of $89,840 per year ($7,487 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Stafford County, VA?
For a typical household earning the median income of $137,807/year ($11,484/month) in Stafford County, VA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $5,742/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $3,445/month to discretionary spending, and $2,297/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Stafford 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.