Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Isle of Wight County, Virginia
Isle of Wight County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,667 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,359 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $32.06 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,667
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 7% less than in Virginia
- Typical rent
- $1,359
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 14% less than in Virginia
- Wage needed
- $32.06
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $66,680 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 Isle of Wight County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Nearby, in Surry County, the typical rent is $983: 28% less than in Isle of Wight County ($1,359).
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13% of households in Isle of Wight 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 Isle of Wight 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)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Isle of Wight County was $2,128 a month in September 2026. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,470 | $28.27 | $58,800 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,488 | $28.62 | $59,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,667 | $32.06 | $66,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,298 | $44.19 | $91,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,710 | $52.12 | $108,400 |
HUD area: Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro 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 Isle of Wight County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 23898 to $2,000 in 23314. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($1,667).
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)
| 23304 | Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | $1,420 | $1,440 | $1,620 | $2,230 | $2,630 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23314 | Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | $1,760 | $1,780 | $2,000 | $2,760 | $3,250 |
| 23315 | Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | $1,200 | $1,210 | $1,360 | $1,870 | $2,210 |
| 23430 | Surry County, VA | $1,250 | $1,270 | $1,420 | $1,960 | $2,310 |
| 23430 | Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | $1,250 | $1,270 | $1,420 | $1,960 | $2,310 |
| 23487 | Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | $1,260 | $1,280 | $1,430 | $1,970 | $2,320 |
| 23898 | Southampton County-Franklin city, VA | $880 | $890 | $1,060 | $1,420 | $1,760 |
| 23898 | Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC | $880 | $890 | $1,060 | $1,420 | $1,760 |
- 23304 · Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC $1,620$2,230
- 23314 · Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC $2,000$2,760
- 23315 · Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC $1,360$1,870
- 23430 · Surry County, VA $1,420$1,960
- 23430 · Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC $1,420$1,960
- 23487 · Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC $1,430$1,970
- 23898 · Southampton County-Franklin city, VA $1,060$1,420
- 23898 · Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC $1,060$1,420
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 Isle of Wight 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.
3,130 households rent in Isle of Wight County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 18%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Isle of Wight 43%
- Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Isle of Wight County
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Isle of Wight County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 5
- HUD-assisted
- 5
466 homes in all; 466 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Bradford Mews Tax credit (LIHTC) 102 Cattail Ln, Smithfield 23430 120 low-income homes · In service since 2013 · For families
- Jersey Park Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 775 Wrenn Rd, Smithfield 23430 80 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 64 · In service since 2007 · For families · (757) 357-7250
- Woods Edge (isle of Wight County) Tax credit (LIHTC) 758 Wrenn Rd, Smithfield 23430 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 28 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Church Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 513 Main St, Smithfield 23430 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Covenant Place HUD-assisted 601 Cedar St, Smithfield 23430 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (757) 357-4469
- Springdale Apartments HUD-assisted 1207 Carrsville Hwy, Franklin 23851 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (757) 562-4928
- Springdale II HUD-assisted 1207 Carrsville Hwy, Franklin 23851 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (757) 562-4928
- Cedar Street (isle of Wight) Tax credit (LIHTC) 545 Cedar St, Smithfield 23430 24 low-income homes · In service since 2010 · For families
- The Neighbours Place HUD-assisted 22501 Thomas Woods Trl, Zuni 23898 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (757) 242-4506
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 Isle of Wight 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 Isle of Wight 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 | $22,650 | $37,700 | $60,350 |
| 2 people | $25,850 | $43,100 | $68,950 |
| 3 people | $29,100 | $48,500 | $77,550 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $53,850 | $86,150 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $58,200 | $93,050 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $62,500 | $99,950 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,800 | $106,850 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $71,100 | $113,750 |
Area median income: $107,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,323 – $1,617
- 1 bedroom $1,339 – $1,637
- 2 bedrooms $1,500 – $1,834
- 3 bedrooms $2,068 – $2,528
- 4 bedrooms $2,439 – $2,981
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 Isle of Wight 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 Isle of Wight County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Hampton Roads Community Action Program, Inc.
2410 Wickham Ave, Newport News · 17 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
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Commonwealth Catholic Charities
740 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Newport News · 18 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
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Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia
12829 Jefferson Ave Ste 101, Newport News · 19 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Isle of Wight 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
$3,334
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,667
- Security deposit
- $1,667
- Total
- $3,334
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 Isle of Wight County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,470; 1 bedroom: $1,488; 2 bedrooms: $1,667; 3 bedrooms: $2,298; 4 bedrooms: $2,710. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Isle of Wight County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,667) without spending more than 30% of income takes $32.06 an hour full time, or $66,680 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Isle of Wight County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,850 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 Isle of Wight 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 $1,500 and $1,834 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Isle of Wight County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,060 in 23898 to $2,000 in 23314. 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 Isle of Wight County?
HUD lists 9 properties with homes for low-income households in Isle of Wight 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 Isle of Wight County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Isle of Wight County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).