Cost of Living in Lowes Island, VA

Population 11,199 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

241
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Lowes Island's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $778,000 for a typical home, 155% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $220,238 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Lowes Island sits roughly 20 miles northwest of Arlington — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Arlington's $865,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 255
Rent 220

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

About the Cost of Living in Lowes Island

The median home value in Lowes Island is $777,700 — 155% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,897/month, 120% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $220,238/year is 195% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, 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%. Overall, Lowes Island has a cost of living index of 241 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 141% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$777,700
155% above avg
Median Rent
$2,897/mo
120% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.4x
Favors renting
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 89.9%
Renter-occupied 10.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,897
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,511/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
35.8 min
33% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
30.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
60.0%
Carpooled
5.1%
Public transit
3.5%
Work from home
30.4%

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
$220,238
195% above avg
Per Capita Income
$90,929
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
36% below avg
Poverty Rate
0.7%
Labor Force Participation
74.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 42.5%
Graduate degree 31.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.4
Male median age 40.9
Female median age 39.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 39 — Good
84.1%
Good air days/yr
167
Max AQI recorded
41
PM2.5 days
303
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lowes Island, VA?

Lowes Island has a cost index of 241 (100 = national average). It is 141% above the national average.

What is average rent in Lowes Island, VA?

The median gross rent in Lowes Island is $2,897 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lowes Island?

The median home value in Lowes Island is $777,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Lowes Island?

The median household income in Lowes Island is $220,238 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lowes Island, VA?

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

Is Lowes Island, VA affordable?

Lowes Island is above average in cost of living, with an index of 241 — about 141% higher than the national average.