City Report · VA

Winchester

Pop. 27,913·55th most expensive in Virginia·Winchester rents are up 6.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,785/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.2%
Month-over-Month
+1.7%
vs US Median
-$180
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Winchester · $1,785
More affordable than 55% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
59/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Winchester's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,785/mo
Expected by trend
$1,871/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Winchester's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,155
1 BR
$1,325
2 BR
$1,655
3 BR
$2,055
4 BR+
$2,780
Research median
$1,655/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$21,420/yr
At $1,785/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 6.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.2% YoY, +1.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Winchester, VA is majority renter-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 31.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
27,913
Median income
$63,974
Median age
36.8
Renters
56.4%
Age distribution
22.5%
24.2%
24.1%
12.5%
16.7%
Under 1822.5%
18–3424.2%
35–5424.1%
55–6412.5%
65+16.7%
Gender
49.3%
50.7%
Male49.3%
Female50.7%
Race & ethnicity
62.3%
21%
White62.3%
Black7.9%
Hispanic21%
Asian2.2%
Other6.6%
Education (25+)
12.5%
30.4%
25.8%
31.3%
No HS diploma12.5%
HS diploma30.4%
Some college25.8%
Bachelor's+31.3%
Housing tenure
43.6%
56.4%
Owner43.6%
Renter56.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Winchester, VA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,242 → $1,785
up 43.7%
Income
$61,321 → $63,974
up 4.3%
Population
28,194 → 27,913
down 1.0%
Renter share
54.7% → 56.4%
+1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
33.7% → 31.3%
-2.4 pts

Across the past five years, the going rent in Winchester, VA has shifted from $1,242 to $1,785, up 43.7% since 2021. Census figures show median household income at $63,974 today, compared with $61,321 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Winchester, VA losing about 281 residents over the five-year window, down 1.0% on net. The renter share has risen from 54.7% to 56.4%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 33.7% to 31.3% across the same window. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Winchester on your salary?

At $1,785/mo, how Winchester rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Winchester rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Winchester

About renting in Winchester, VA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Winchester is $1,785/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,155/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,655/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,325/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,055/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($63,974/yr), Winchester ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Winchester an affordable city for renters?

Winchester is considered moderate for renters. At $1,785/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($63,974/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Winchester slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Winchester?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $71,000/year (~$34/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,785/mo in Winchester. The local median household income is $63,974/yr, meaning the typical Winchester household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Winchester?

Rent in Winchester has increased 6.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Winchester neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Winchester are 22601 ($1,651/mo), and 22602 ($2,139/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Winchester is $1,785/mo.

How does Winchester rent compare to other cities in Virginia?

Winchester is middle-of-the-pack for Virginia for rent, ranking #55 out of 83 tracked cities at $1,785/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Winchester?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Winchester ($1,785/mo): Martinsburg ($1,651/mo), Inwood ($1,748/mo).

What percentage of Winchester residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 56.4% of Winchester households are renters, while 43.6% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Winchester has a strong rental market.

How does Winchester rent compare to the national average?

Winchester's median rent of $1,785/mo is $180 (9%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Virginia, it ranks #55 out of 83 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $1,785/mo, rent takes ~33% of Winchester's median household income ($63,974/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Winchester 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Winchester affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Winchester
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Winchester, VA

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