Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Alleghany County, Virginia
Alleghany County has a HUD fair market rent of $943 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $765 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $18.13 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $943
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 47% less than in Virginia
- Typical rent
- $765
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 52% less than in Virginia
- Wage needed
- $18.13
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $37,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% less than in Virginia
Only here
Renting in Alleghany County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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16% of households in Alleghany County have no internet at home, against 7% in Virginia.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Alleghany County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $786 | $15.12 | $31,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $790 | $15.19 | $31,600 |
| 2 bedrooms | $943 | $18.13 | $37,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,246 | $23.96 | $49,840 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,389 | $26.71 | $55,560 |
HUD area: Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA HUD Nonmetro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 8 ZIP codes in Alleghany County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $940 in 24448 to $1,130 in 24426. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($943).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 24422 | Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA | $910 | $950 | $1,130 | $1,570 | $1,900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24422 | Bath County, VA | $910 | $950 | $1,130 | $1,570 | $1,900 |
| 24422 | Roanoke, VA | $910 | $950 | $1,130 | $1,570 | $1,900 |
| 24426 | Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA | $910 | $950 | $1,130 | $1,570 | $1,900 |
| 24426 | Roanoke, VA | $910 | $950 | $1,130 | $1,570 | $1,900 |
| 24448 | Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA | $790 | $790 | $940 | $1,270 | $1,390 |
| 24457 | Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA | $790 | $790 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,390 |
| 24474 | Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA | $790 | $790 | $940 | $1,250 | $1,390 |
- 24422 · Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA $1,130$1,570
- 24422 · Bath County, VA $1,130$1,570
- 24422 · Roanoke, VA $1,130$1,570
- 24426 · Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA $1,130$1,570
- 24426 · Roanoke, VA $1,130$1,570
- 24448 · Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA $940$1,270
- 24457 · Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA $940$1,250
- 24474 · Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA $940$1,250
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Alleghany County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,131 households rent in Alleghany County
- Spend half or more of their income 18%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Alleghany 43%
- Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Alleghany County
HUD lists 6 properties with homes for low-income households in Alleghany County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 3
- HUD-assisted
- 4
428 homes in all; 427 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Ridgeview at Scott Hill HUD-assisted 800 W Ridgeway St, Clifton Forge 24422 140 homes, 139 low-income · For older adults · (540) 862-5741
- Dolly Ann Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 826 Long Ave, Covington 24426 108 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2012 · For families · (540) 962-4545
- Clifton Woods Apts. HUD-assisted 1710 Main St, Clifton Forge 24422 66 low-income homes · For older adults · (540) 345-9228
- Mountain View Apts HUD-assisted 1700 Main St, Clifton Forge 24422 54 low-income homes · For families · (540) 345-9228
- Cedar Forest Tax credit (LIHTC) 306 Dairy St, Covington 24426 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Alleghany Building Tax credit (LIHTC) 511 E Ridgeway St, Clifton Forge 24422 20 low-income homes · Studio: 4 · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 1999 · For families
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Alleghany County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Alleghany County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $16,800 | $28,000 | $44,750 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $32,000 | $51,150 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $36,000 | $57,550 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $39,950 | $63,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $43,150 | $69,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $46,350 | $74,150 |
| 7 people | $49,550 | $49,550 | $79,250 |
| 8 people | $52,750 | $52,750 | $84,350 |
Area median income: $71,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Alleghany County-Clifton Forge city-Covington city, VA HUD Nonmet. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $707 – $865
- 1 bedroom $711 – $869
- 2 bedrooms $849 – $1,037
- 3 bedrooms $1,121 – $1,371
- 4 bedrooms $1,250 – $1,528
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Alleghany County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
Your rights as a tenant in Virginia
What Virginia law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 2 months of rent
- Va. Code §55.1-1226(A)
- When must they return my deposit?
- 45 days
- Va. Code §55.1-1226(A)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 14 days
- Va. Code §55.1-1245(F)
- How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
- 30 days
- Va. Code §55.1-1253(A)
- Only a court order can remove youVa. Code §55.1-1252
- Protection from retaliationVa. Code §55.1-1258(A)
- Repair and deduct from the rentVa. Code §55.1-1244.1(C)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Alleghany County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Commonwealth Catholic Charities
2131 Valley View Blvd NW, Roanoke · 33 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Arabic, American Sign Language (ASL), Creole, Farsi, and 5 more languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
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Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project
347 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke · 36 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 10 more
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New River Community Action (giles County)
516 Wenonah Avenue, Pearisburg · 50 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Alleghany County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Virginia, the average home bill was $149 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$1,886
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $943
- Security deposit
- $943
- Total
- $1,886
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Alleghany County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $786; 1 bedroom: $790; 2 bedrooms: $943; 3 bedrooms: $1,246; 4 bedrooms: $1,389. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Alleghany County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($943) without spending more than 30% of income takes $18.13 an hour full time, or $37,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Alleghany County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $39,950 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Alleghany County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $849 and $1,037 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Alleghany County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $940 in 24448 to $1,130 in 24426. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Alleghany County?
HUD lists 6 properties with homes for low-income households in Alleghany County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Alleghany County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Alleghany County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).