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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Richmond

Richmond, VA has 160 affordable and income-based rental properties totaling 17,003 units -- one of the larger inventories in the region. With a median market rent of $1,372 per month (Census ACS 5-Year), income-based housing can offer significant savings for eligible renters in a city where 56% of households rent.

160
Properties
17,003
Total units
88/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$1,372/mo

Affordability

Richmond's median household income is $64,587 and the median monthly rent is $1,372, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). With 56% of residents renting, demand for affordable options is substantial, and Lease Lantern tracks 44 HUD-assisted and income-based properties totaling 5,299 units across the city.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
349 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to the Richmond Police Department's FBI Crime Data Explorer report, Richmond had a violent crime rate of 349 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting methods and local definitions.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 33 · Car-Dependent

Getting Around Richmond

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Richmond rates 33 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, 41 (Some Transit) for transit, and 47 for bikeability. Most daily errands are likely to require a car, though some transit options are available.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
113 schools · 9 districts

Schools

Richmond is served by 113 schools across 9 districts, including 62 elementary, 15 middle, 20 high, and 16 other schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before making a decision.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$64,587 median income

Cost of Renting in Richmond, VA

The median household income in Richmond is $64,587 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The citywide median rent is $1,372 per month, also per Census ACS 5-Year estimates.

HUD-assisted, Section 8, and LIHTC properties offer rent that is tied to income limits rather than market rates, which can make a significant difference for budget-conscious renters in this city. Richmond has 44 income-based properties covering 5,299 units across the city.

  • Median household income: $64,587/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Median market rent: $1,372/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Share of residents who rent: 56% (Census ACS 5-Year)
  • Income-based units available: 5,299 across 44 properties
Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 44 HUD-assisted properties in Richmond were mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, according to flood mapping data.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 88/100(42 of 160 scored)
90+ (27)70–89 (11)60–69 (1)<60 (3)No score (118)

160 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 160 affordable apartments in Richmond→

Other cities in VA

› Affordable housing in Alexandria› Arlington income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Charlottesville› Chesapeake affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Danville› Affordable housing in Fairfax› Franklin income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Fredericksburg› Lynchburg affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Newport News› Affordable housing in Norfolk› Petersburg income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in VA› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Richmond, VA

Richmond is a majority-renter city, with 56 percent of households renting according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The city's median household income is $64,587 and the median market rent is $1,372 per month, which helps illustrate the financial context for the 5,299 income-restricted units tracked by Lease Lantern across 44 HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties here.

Of the 42 properties with inspection scores on file, 27 earned an excellent rating and 11 a good rating, according to HUD inspection data. None of the 44 mapped properties fall within a high-risk flood zone.

Richmond's school landscape includes 113 public schools across 9 districts, according to the NCES Common Core of Data, giving renters with children a range of options to research when choosing a neighborhood.

Getting around without a car can require planning. Richmond scores 33 (Car-Dependent) for walkability and 41 (Some Transit) for public transit, according to Walk Score.

The violent crime rate reported by the Richmond Police Department was 224 per 100,000 residents in 2024, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer.

A closer look is coming. Lease Lantern is.

Eligibility & how to apply

Virginia income limits (2026)Virginia public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Virginia

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →