Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in the City of Galax , Virginia
The City of Galax has a HUD fair market rent of $943 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $743 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
- $743
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 53% 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
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% more than in Virginia
Only here
Renting in the City of Galax: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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The City of Galax has the lowest typical household income of the 133 places in Virginia: $38,675.
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 the City of Galax. 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 | $799 | $15.37 | $31,960 |
| 1 bedroom | $803 | $15.44 | $32,120 |
| 2 bedrooms | $943 | $18.13 | $37,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,306 | $25.12 | $52,240 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,510 | $29.04 | $60,400 |
HUD area: Carroll County-Galax city, VA HUD Nonmetro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In the City of Galax, 51% 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.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
1,207 households rent in the City of Galax
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 28%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Galax 51%
- Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in the City of Galax
HUD lists 6 properties with homes for low-income households in the City of Galax: 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
- 3
304 homes in all; 292 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Northway Tax credit (LIHTC) 127 Wilson Ave, Galax 24333 72 low-income homes · In service since 2005 · For families
- Glendale Apts HUD-assisted 102 Sutherland Rd, Galax 24333 68 low-income homes · For families · (540) 774-1641
- Northway Apts HUD-assisted 128 Wilson Ave, Galax 24333 72 homes, 60 low-income · For families · (276) 236-8991
- Harmony Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1151 Glendale Rd, Galax 24333 42 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2018 · For families
- Harmony House Tax credit (LIHTC) 1149 Glendale Rd, Galax 24333 40 low-income homes · Studio: 40 · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 1997 · For older adults
- Galax Manor HUD-assisted 150 Larkspur Ln, Galax 24333 10 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (804) 278-9871
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 the City of Galax
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 the City of Galax; 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: $71,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Carroll County-Galax city, VA HUD Nonmetro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $719 – $879
- 1 bedroom $723 – $883
- 2 bedrooms $849 – $1,037
- 3 bedrooms $1,175 – $1,437
- 4 bedrooms $1,359 – $1,661
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 the City of Galax. 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 the City of Galax
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Helping Overcome Poverty's Existence, Inc., (formerly Mountain Shelter, Inc.)
680 W Main St, Wytheville · 22 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 9 more
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New River Community Action (pulaski County)
412 N. Jefferson Ave, Pulaski · 28 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 5 more
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New River Action Agency (floyd County)
120 Epperly Mill Rd, SW, Floyd · 36 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 the City of Galax. 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 the City of Galax?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $799; 1 bedroom: $803; 2 bedrooms: $943; 3 bedrooms: $1,306; 4 bedrooms: $1,510. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in the City of Galax?
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 the City of Galax?
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 the City of Galax?
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.
How many low-income apartments are there in the City of Galax?
HUD lists 6 properties with homes for low-income households in the City of Galax: 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 the City of Galax?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In the City of Galax, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).