Cost of Living in Lake Wilderness, VA

Population 3,255 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

117
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Lake Wilderness sits on the smaller end of the Virginia city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.

Lake Wilderness is about 50 miles southwest of Alexandria, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 53% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 107
Rent 133

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

About the Cost of Living in Lake Wilderness

The median home value in Lake Wilderness is $325,700 — 7% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,744/month, 33% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $115,781/year is 55% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, 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 Wilderness has a cost of living index of 117 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$325,700
7% above avg
Median Rent
$1,744/mo
33% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.6x
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 89.3%
Renter-occupied 10.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,744
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,358/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
44.3 min
64% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.7%
Carpooled
9.4%
Public transit
0.2%
Work from home
13.6%

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
$115,781
55% above avg
Per Capita Income
$51,018
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
11% below avg
Poverty Rate
0.4%
Labor Force Participation
66.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.6%
Graduate degree 12.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.2
Male median age 34
Female median age 34.3

🌤 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 Wilderness, VA?

Lake Wilderness has a cost index of 117 (100 = national average). It is 17% above the national average.

What is average rent in Lake Wilderness, VA?

The median gross rent in Lake Wilderness is $1,744 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lake Wilderness?

The median home value in Lake Wilderness is $325,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Lake Wilderness?

The median household income in Lake Wilderness is $115,781 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lake Wilderness, VA?

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

Is Lake Wilderness, VA affordable?

Lake Wilderness is above average in cost of living, with an index of 117 — about 17% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Lake Wilderness?

Lake Wilderness 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 Wilderness at a Glance

Population
3,255
Median Income
$115,781
Home Value
$325,700
Median Rent
$1,744/mo
Unemployment
4.3%
Avg High Temp
67.1°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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🗺️ County data for Virginia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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