Fair Market Rents by apartment size
| Size | FY2026 FMR | Income needed (30% rule) | Hourly, full time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $870/mo | $34,800/yr | $16.73 |
| 1 bedroom | $917/mo | $36,680/yr | $17.63 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,005/mo | $40,200/yr | $19.33 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,398/mo | $55,920/yr | $26.88 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,686/mo | $67,440/yr | $32.42 |
Fair Market Rents are HUD's estimate of the 40th percentile of gross rent (rent plus essential utilities) for standard-quality units in Rockbridge County-Buena Vista city-Lexington city, VA HUD Nonmetr. About 40% of comparable rentals cost less and 60% cost more, so treat these as a benchmark rather than a listing price. Income needed assumes rent and utilities take no more than 30% of gross income, the federal cost-burden line; the hourly figure assumes 2,080 working hours a year.
What this means for renters
If you have a Housing Choice Voucher, your local housing authority sets its payment standards based on these FMRs; ask your agency for its exact figures. If you are budgeting a move, compare these numbers with real listings: newer or better-located units usually rent above the FMR.
Areas with similar rents nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Rockbridge County-Buena Vista city-Lexington city, VA HUD Nonmetr?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rents for Rockbridge County-Buena Vista city-Lexington city, VA HUD Nonmetr are $870 for studio, $917 for 1 bedroom, $1,005 for 2 bedrooms, $1,398 for 3 bedrooms, $1,686 for 4 bedrooms.
How much do I need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom in Rockbridge County-Buena Vista city-Lexington city, VA HUD Nonmetr?
At the Fair Market Rent of $1,005, keeping rent within 30% of gross income (the federal cost-burden line) takes about $40,200 a year, or $3,350 a month.
Source: HUD Fair Market Rents, FY2026 schedule (effective October 1, 2025), area code NCNTY51163N51163. HUD has since published FY2027 FMRs; check HUD for the newest figures. Our data.