Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Roanoke County, Virginia
Roanoke County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,464 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,224 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.15 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,464
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in Virginia
- Typical rent
- $1,224
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 22% less than in Virginia
- Wage needed
- $28.15
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $58,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 42%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 13% less than in Virginia
Only here
Renting in Roanoke County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Craig County, the typical rent is $713: 42% less than in Roanoke County ($1,224).
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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke County was $1,586 a month in September 2026: 6.5% more than 12 months ago. 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 | $1,186 | $22.81 | $47,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,250 | $24.04 | $50,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,464 | $28.15 | $58,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,022 | $38.88 | $80,880 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,447 | $47.06 | $97,880 |
HUD area: Roanoke, VA 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 12 ZIP codes in Roanoke County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 24070 to $1,730 in 24020. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,464).
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)
| 24014 | Franklin County, VA | $1,090 | $1,150 | $1,350 | $1,860 | $2,260 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24014 | Roanoke, VA | $1,090 | $1,150 | $1,350 | $1,860 | $2,260 |
| 24018 | Roanoke, VA | $1,380 | $1,450 | $1,700 | $2,350 | $2,840 |
| 24019 | Roanoke, VA | $1,400 | $1,480 | $1,730 | $2,390 | $2,890 |
| 24020 | Roanoke, VA | $1,400 | $1,480 | $1,730 | $2,390 | $2,890 |
| 24059 | Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $1,090 | $1,130 | $1,330 | $1,810 | $2,150 |
| 24059 | Floyd County, VA | $1,090 | $1,130 | $1,330 | $1,810 | $2,150 |
| 24059 | Franklin County, VA | $1,090 | $1,130 | $1,330 | $1,810 | $2,150 |
| 24059 | Roanoke, VA | $1,090 | $1,130 | $1,330 | $1,810 | $2,150 |
| 24070 | Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $970 | $1,030 | $1,210 | $1,660 | $1,990 |
| 24070 | Roanoke, VA | $970 | $1,030 | $1,210 | $1,660 | $1,990 |
| 24153 | Roanoke, VA | $1,230 | $1,300 | $1,520 | $2,100 | $2,540 |
- 24014 · Franklin County, VA $1,350$1,860
- 24014 · Roanoke, VA $1,350$1,860
- 24018 · Roanoke, VA $1,700$2,350
- 24019 · Roanoke, VA $1,730$2,390
- 24020 · Roanoke, VA $1,730$2,390
- 24059 · Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA $1,330$1,810
- 24059 · Floyd County, VA $1,330$1,810
- 24059 · Franklin County, VA $1,330$1,810
- 24059 · Roanoke, VA $1,330$1,810
- 24070 · Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA $1,210$1,660
- 24070 · Roanoke, VA $1,210$1,660
- 24153 · Roanoke, VA $1,520$2,100
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 Roanoke County, 42% 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.
42%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
9,659 households rent in Roanoke County
- Spend half or more of their income 17%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 58%
Compared with the state and the country
- Roanoke 42%
- Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Roanoke County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Roanoke 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
- 7
1,581 homes in all; 1,464 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Villages at Garst Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 4305 Garst Mill Rd, Roanoke 24018 504 homes, 494 low-income · In service since 2009 · For families
- Edinburgh Square HUD-assisted 129 Hershberger Rd, Roanoke 24012 136 low-income homes · For older adults · (540) 366-1888
- Peters Creek I + II Tax credit (LIHTC) 7266 S Barrens Rd, Roanoke 24019 168 low-income homes · 2 bd: 120 · 3 bd: 48 · In service since 2017 · For families
- Peter's Creek I Tax credit (LIHTC) 7266 S Barrens Rd, Roanoke 24019 120 low-income homes · 2 bd: 96 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Ridgecrest at Richfield HUD-assisted 3720 Knollridge Rd, Salem 24153 106 low-income homes · For older adults · (540) 380-4500
- Clearview Manor HUD-assisted 1150 Vinyard Rd, Vinton 24179 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (540) 342-5690
- A. Porters Haven HUD-assisted 1702 Saunja Cir, Vinton 24179 73 low-income homes · For older adults · (540) 342-0131
- Ridgeview Apartments aka Kissito Village HUD-assisted 5300 Hawthorne Rd, Roanoke 24012 144 homes, 57 low-income · For older adults · (540) 362-5412
- Northampton Apts HUD-assisted 1541 Wyndham Dr, Vinton 24179 50 low-income homes · For families · (540) 343-2871
- Blue Ridge Manor HUD-assisted 101 Cottonwood Ter, Vinton 24179 108 homes, 48 low-income · For families · (540) 890-1291
- Peter's Creek II Tax credit (LIHTC) 7301 S Barrens Rd, Roanoke 24019 48 low-income homes · In service since 1999 · For families
- Peter's Creek III Tax credit (LIHTC) 7390 S Barrens Rd, Roanoke 24019 24 low-income homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2007 · For families
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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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 | $20,700 | $34,500 | $55,200 |
| 2 people | $23,650 | $39,400 | $63,050 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $44,350 | $70,950 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $49,250 | $78,800 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $53,200 | $85,150 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $57,150 | $91,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $61,100 | $97,750 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $65,050 | $104,050 |
Area median income: $98,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Roanoke, VA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,067 – $1,305
- 1 bedroom $1,125 – $1,375
- 2 bedrooms $1,318 – $1,610
- 3 bedrooms $1,820 – $2,224
- 4 bedrooms $2,202 – $2,692
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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Commonwealth Catholic Charities
2131 Valley View Blvd NW, Roanoke · 13 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 · 14 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 10 more
-
New River Community Action (montgomery Area)
400 W Main St, Christiansburg · 19 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 Roanoke 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
$2,928
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,464
- Security deposit
- $1,464
- Total
- $2,928
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 Roanoke County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,186; 1 bedroom: $1,250; 2 bedrooms: $1,464; 3 bedrooms: $2,022; 4 bedrooms: $2,447. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Roanoke County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,464) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.15 an hour full time, or $58,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Roanoke County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $49,250 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 Roanoke 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 $1,318 and $1,610 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Roanoke County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,210 in 24070 to $1,730 in 24020. 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 Roanoke County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Roanoke 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 Roanoke County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Roanoke County, 42% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).