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City Report · VA

Waynesboro

Pop. 22,841·74th most expensive in Virginia·Waynesboro rents are up 9.0% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,461/mo
Year-over-Year
+9.0%
Month-over-Month
-8.8%
vs US Median
-$501
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Waynesboro · $1,461
More affordable than 78% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Affordability
29% of income
AFFORDABLE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $1,461/mo, rent takes about 29% of the local median household income, comfortably within the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$58,000/yr
Local median income
$59,994/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Waynesboro's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,060
1 BR
$1,070
2 BR
$1,230
3 BR
$1,720
4 BR+
$2,010
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,230/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,461 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$17,532/yr
At $1,461/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 9.0% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+9.0% YoY, -8.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Waynesboro, VA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 25.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
22,841
Median income
$59,994
Median age
38.3
Renters
40.1%
Age distribution
22.4%
21.8%
25.2%
12.8%
17.9%
Under 1822.4%
18–3421.8%
35–5425.2%
55–6412.8%
65+17.9%
Gender
48.4%
51.6%
Male48.4%
Female51.6%
Race & ethnicity
74%
White74%
Black11.9%
Hispanic9.7%
Asian1.9%
Other2.5%
Education (25+)
35%
28.4%
25.7%
No HS diploma10.9%
HS diploma35%
Some college28.4%
Bachelor's+25.7%
Housing tenure
59.9%
40.1%
Owner59.9%
Renter40.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Waynesboro, VA has changed in 5 years

Income
$47,238 → $59,994
up 27.0%
Population
22,149 → 22,841
up 3.1%
Renter share
40.2% → 40.1%
-0.1 pts
Bachelor's+
27.9% → 25.7%
-2.2 pts
Median age
39.1 → 38.3
-0.8 yrs

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $47,238 in 2021 to $59,994 more recently. Headcount in the area went from 22,149 to 22,841 between 2021 and 2024, a 3.1% change. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher slipped from 27.9% to 25.7%.

Community

Discussions about Waynesboro

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View Waynesboro rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Waynesboro on your salary?

At $1,461/mo, how Waynesboro rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Waynesboro rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Waynesboro. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Waynesboro

About renting in Waynesboro, VA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Waynesboro is $1,461/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,060/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,230/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,070/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,720/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($59,994/yr), Waynesboro ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 9.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Waynesboro an affordable city for renters?

Waynesboro is considered affordable for renters. At $1,461/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($59,994/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Waynesboro falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Waynesboro?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $58,000/year (~$28/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,461/mo in Waynesboro. The local median household income is $59,994/yr, meaning the typical Waynesboro household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Waynesboro?

Rent in Waynesboro has increased 9.0% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Waynesboro rent compare to other cities in Virginia?

Waynesboro is one of the more affordable cities in Virginia for rent, ranking #74 out of 83 tracked cities at $1,461/mo.

What percentage of Waynesboro residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 40.1% of Waynesboro households are renters, while 59.9% are owner-occupied. Waynesboro leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Waynesboro rent compare to the national average?

Waynesboro's median rent of $1,461/mo is $501 (26%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Virginia, it ranks #74 out of 83 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,461/mo, rent takes ~29% of Waynesboro's median household income ($59,994/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Waynesboro 29%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Waynesboro affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Waynesboro, VA

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