Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Stafford County, Virginia
Stafford County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,438 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $2,020 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $46.88 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,438
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 36% more than in Virginia
- Typical rent
- $2,020
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 28% more than in Virginia
- Wage needed
- $46.88
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $97,520 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% less than in Virginia
Only here
Renting in Stafford County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Stafford County has the 5th highest typical household income of the 133 counties in Virginia ($137,807).
-
Among the neighboring counties, King George County has the lowest typical rent ($1,428), 29% below the $2,020 in Stafford County.
-
Stafford County has the 9th highest typical rent of the 133 counties in Virginia ($2,020).
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 Stafford 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 Stafford County was $2,360 a month in September 2026: 1.5% 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 | $2,111 | $40.60 | $84,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,204 | $42.38 | $88,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,438 | $46.88 | $97,520 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,107 | $59.75 | $124,280 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,658 | $70.35 | $146,320 |
HUD area: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD 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 5 ZIP codes in Stafford County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,220 in 22556 to $2,710 in 22134. 1 ZIP code is above the county's fair market rent ($2,438).
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)
| 22134 | $2,350 | $2,450 | $2,710 | $3,450 | $4,070 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22405 | $1,990 | $2,080 | $2,300 | $2,930 | $3,450 |
| 22406 | $2,010 | $2,100 | $2,320 | $2,960 | $3,480 |
| 22554 | $2,100 | $2,200 | $2,430 | $3,100 | $3,650 |
| 22556 | $1,920 | $2,010 | $2,220 | $2,830 | $3,330 |
- 22134 $2,710$3,450
- 22405 $2,300$2,930
- 22406 $2,320$2,960
- 22554 $2,430$3,100
- 22556 $2,220$2,830
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 Stafford County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
10,205 households rent in Stafford County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Stafford 45%
- Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Stafford County
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Stafford County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 14
- HUD-assisted
- 6
2,195 homes in all; 2,148 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Aquia Fifteen at Towne Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 475 Aquia Towne Ctr Dr, Stafford 22554 256 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 176 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2017 · For families
- England Run North I Tax credit (LIHTC) 18 Newcastle Pl, Fredericksburg 22406 204 low-income homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 144 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Stonegate at Liberty Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 20 Stonegate Pl, Stafford 22554 180 low-income homes · 2 bd: 120 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Vine Place II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1203 Providence St, Stafford 22554 172 low-income homes · 2 bd: 160 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1996 · For families
- Gardens of Stafford Seniors Tax credit (LIHTC) 2191 Mountain View Rd, Stafford 22556 150 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Stafford Lakes Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 Stonehaven Dr, Fredericksburg 22406 150 low-income homes · 2 bd: 114 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 1997 · For families
- Sky Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 412 Frasier Dr, Stafford 22556 187 homes, 141 low-income · 2 bd: 27 · 3 bd: 130 · 4 bd: 30 · In service since 2002 · For families
- England Run North II Tax credit (LIHTC) 18 Newcastle Pl, Fredericksburg 22406 136 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 96 · In service since 2000 · For families
- Garrison Woods HUD-assisted 207 Garrison Woods Dr, Stafford 22556 131 homes, 130 low-income · For families · (540) 659-6078
- England Run North Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2 Sondra Ln, Fredericksburg 22406 120 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 72 · In service since 2002 · For families
- English Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Darlington Way, Fredericksburg 22406 119 low-income homes · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 96 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Village at England Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 Noble Ct, Fredericksburg 22406 108 low-income homes · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 54 · 4 bd: 18 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Crescent Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 414 Malvern Hill Ct, Stafford 22554 99 low-income homes · 3 bd: 99 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Park Ridge Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 86 Park Cove Dr, Stafford 22554 94 low-income homes · 3 bd: 94 · In service since 1999 · For families
- Vine Place III Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Edgemere Ct, Stafford 22554 42 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 1998 · For families
- Mckendree Manor HUD-assisted 101 McKendree Ct, Fredericksburg 22406 23 low-income homes · For older adults · (540) 373-1419
- Galveston Road Group Home HUD-assisted 532 Galveston Rd, Fredericksburg 22405 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (540) 656-2373
- Leeland Road Group Home HUD-assisted 82 Leeland Rd, Fredericksburg 22405 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (540) 899-4430
- New Hope Estate Group Homes HUD-assisted 163 New Hope Church Rd, Fredericksburg 22405 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (540) 372-3585
- Scottsdale Estates Group Home HUD-assisted 2 Scottsdale Dr, Fredericksburg 22405 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (540) 373-3223
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 Stafford 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 Stafford County; the state's agencies can help you. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
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
-
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)
-
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)
-
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)
-
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
-
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 | $34,900 | $58,150 | $74,800 |
| 2 people | $39,900 | $66,450 | $85,450 |
| 3 people | $44,900 | $74,750 | $96,150 |
| 4 people | $49,850 | $83,050 | $106,800 |
| 5 people | $53,850 | $89,700 | $115,350 |
| 6 people | $57,850 | $96,350 | $123,900 |
| 7 people | $61,850 | $103,000 | $132,450 |
| 8 people | $65,850 | $109,650 | $141,000 |
Area median income: $166,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,900 – $2,322
- 1 bedroom $1,984 – $2,424
- 2 bedrooms $2,194 – $2,682
- 3 bedrooms $2,796 – $3,418
- 4 bedrooms $3,292 – $4,024
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 Stafford 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 Stafford County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Prince William County Virginia Cooperative Extension
15941 Donald Curtis Dr, Woodbridge · 16 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in American Sign Language (ASL).
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
-
Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF)-Va
13923 Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge · 17 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Workshops for new owners
- and 4 more
-
First Home Alliance
3138 Golansky Blvd Ste 202, Woodbridge · 18 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 12 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Stafford 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
$4,876
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,438
- Security deposit
- $2,438
- Total
- $4,876
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 Stafford County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $2,111; 1 bedroom: $2,204; 2 bedrooms: $2,438; 3 bedrooms: $3,107; 4 bedrooms: $3,658. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Stafford County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,438) without spending more than 30% of income takes $46.88 an hour full time, or $97,520 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Stafford County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $83,050 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 Stafford 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 $2,194 and $2,682 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Stafford County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $2,220 in 22556 to $2,710 in 22134. 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 Stafford County?
HUD lists 20 properties with homes for low-income households in Stafford 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 Stafford County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Stafford County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).