Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Essex County vs Virginia

How do Essex County and Virginia rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$912
Essex County (1BR)
$1,182
Virginia (1BR)
−23%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

County
Essex County
$912/mo 1BR
Population: 10,602
State
Virginia
$1,182/mo 1BR

A 1-bedroom in Essex County is 23% cheaper than Virginia at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($912 vs $1,182). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Essex County Virginia Difference
Studio $907 $1,137 −$230 (-20%)
1 Bedroom $912 $1,182 −$270 (-23%)
2 Bedroom $1,113 $1,369 −$256 (-19%)
3 Bedroom $1,341 $1,789 −$448 (-25%)
4 Bedroom $1,556 $2,128 −$572 (-27%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Essex County is 5% below the US average. Virginia is 23% above.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).