Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Charlottesville

Affordability in Charlottesville, VA

Charlottesville has a median household income of $74,824 and a median gross rent of $1,540 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). With 56% of residents renting their homes, demand for affordable housing options is significant in this city.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Charlottesville Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 361 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Charlottesville

The assisted properties in Charlottesville score well for walkability and biking, with moderate public transit options, according to Walk Score. Scores reflect the area around the assisted properties.

• Walk Score: 89 - Very Walkable (Walk Score)
• Transit Score: 45 - Some Transit (Walk Score)
• Bike Score: 80 (Walk Score)

Schools

According to the NCES Common Core of Data, 33 schools across 6 districts serve Charlottesville, including 15 elementary, 6 middle, 5 high, and 7 other schools. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

Cost of Living in Charlottesville, VA

The median household income in Charlottesville is $74,824 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median market rent is $1,540 per month, also per Census ACS 5-Year estimates, which can make affordability a real concern for lower-income renters.

Affordable and income-based housing can significantly reduce that burden. Rent at HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Charlottesville is typically calculated as a percentage of your household income rather than set at market rate.

• Median household income: $74,824/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,540/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Renter households: 56% of occupied housing units (Census ACS 5-Year)

With 573 income-based units across 11 properties in the city, options exist -- but availability can be limited and waitlists are common. Applying to multiple properties is strongly recommended.

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 11 affordable housing properties in Charlottesville were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to HUD-assisted property flood data.