Cost of Living in Lake of the Woods, VA

Population 8,165 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

126
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Lake of the Woods is a smaller Virginia community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $112,917 and housing costs ($378,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Lake of the Woods is about 50 miles southwest of Alexandria, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 124
Rent 129

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Lake of the Woods

The median home value in Lake of the Woods is $377,500 — 24% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,690/month, 29% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $112,917/year is 51% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 67.1°F and lows of 49.1°F, with about 12.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lake of the Woods has a cost of living index of 126 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$377,500
24% above avg
Median Rent
$1,690/mo
29% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.6x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$970
1 BR
$989
2 BR
$1,200
3 BR
$1,645
4 BR
$1,885
Owner-occupied 94.3%
Renter-occupied 5.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,690
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,304/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
47.0 min
74% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
18.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.7%
Carpooled
4.0%
Public transit
0.8%
Work from home
18.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 5.6%
State rate 4.3%
Avg local rate 1.3%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$112,917
51% above avg
Per Capita Income
$57,928
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
41% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Labor Force Participation
48.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.1%
Graduate degree 21.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 51.8
Male median age 52.2
Female median age 50

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
67.1°F
Avg Low
49.1°F
Annual Precip
41"
Annual Snowfall
12.4"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 454856687684888680695849
Low °F 283037475766716962503932
Precip" 2.662.363.583.163.633.534.644.243.433.333.143.33
Snow" 3.55.81.40.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.01.7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lake of the Woods, VA?

Lake of the Woods has a cost index of 126 (100 = national average). It is 26% above the national average.

What is average rent in Lake of the Woods, VA?

The median gross rent in Lake of the Woods is $1,690 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lake of the Woods?

The median home value in Lake of the Woods is $377,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Lake of the Woods?

The median household income in Lake of the Woods is $112,917 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lake of the Woods, VA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lake of the Woods is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Lake of the Woods, VA affordable?

Lake of the Woods is above average in cost of living, with an index of 126 — about 26% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Lake of the Woods?

Lake of the Woods has average high temperatures of 67.1°F and average lows of 49.1°F. Annual precipitation is 41". Average annual snowfall is 12.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lake of the Woods at a Glance

Population
8,165
Median Income
$112,917
Home Value
$377,500
Median Rent
$1,690/mo
Unemployment
2.9%
Avg High Temp
67.1°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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