Rappahannock County, VA: borrowing basics and county figures

First look: Rappahannock County, VA

The latest five-year Census estimate puts Rappahannock County's population at 7,427; only 120 of Virginia's 133 county-level areas are larger. Spread over 266 square miles, that works out to roughly 27.9 residents per square mile. Metro area: Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV (OMB, 2023). Of the 3 Census places inside Rappahannock County, Sperryville leads by population with about 358; 1 of the 3 are incorporated. Census margins of error grow as populations shrink; for a county of 7,427, read each figure as a range.

Housing costs in Rappahannock County

Rappahannock County rent at the median: $1,290 a month, utilities in ($1,579 in Virginia). By the Census definition, 37% of Rappahannock County renters are cost-burdened. Rappahannock County homes are worth $506,400 at the median, a 6.1-to-1 ratio to income. The ownership rate is 73%.

At a $506,400 median value, many Rappahannock County owners hold equity. Using it lowers cost only if you can carry the risk (equity vs. unsecured).

Employment and commuting in Rappahannock County

The biggest employer of Rappahannock County residents, by industry, is education and health care at 19% of workers, followed by professional and administrative services (18%). The sharpest difference from the state is in construction, at 16% locally and 7% for Virginia. Unemployment in Rappahannock County, ACS five-year: 9.2%; Virginia: 4.3%. About 71% drive to work alone and 37% have trips of 45 minutes or more. Households without a car make up 1.9% of the total (6.1% statewide).

Seasonal work is common in many Rappahannock County industries; if that is you, show a full year of income rather than one strong month.

The $83,380 median and what sits around it

Median household income in Rappahannock County: $83,380 (11% below Virginia, $93,170). That places it 45th among Virginia's 133 county-level areas.

The spread is wide: 42% of Rappahannock County households make $100,000 or more, and 16% make less than $35,000. Poverty rate, Rappahannock County: 10.3%; Virginia: 9.9%. If your income is irregular, as it often is with tips, gig work or seasonal jobs, plan around your leaner months rather than the Rappahannock County median.

Rappahannock County against other Virginia counties

Where Rappahannock County lands at the extremes of Virginia's county rankings:

• On the ACS unemployment rate, Rappahannock County sits near the top of Virginia at 9.2%, 6th highest of 133. Job gaps can make income hard to document; gather records first.
• Households without a vehicle: 1.9% in Rappahannock County. Only 3 of 133 Virginia counties are lower. Car ownership is close to universal, and so are repair bills.
• On the uninsured rate, Rappahannock County sits near the top of Virginia at 10.8%, 7th highest of 133. Hospital payment plans are usually interest-free; compare before a loan.

The counties around Rappahannock County

The six counties whose centers lie closest to Rappahannock County's, from 16 to 25 miles away. Richest neighbor: Fauquier County, $130,189. Poorest: Page County, $57,037. Rappahannock County: $83,380.

Cities, towns and CDPs in Rappahannock County

Places, by size: the top 3 of 3. Roughly 91% of Rappahannock County lives outside all of them, in open country or unnamed settlements. This guide covers each of the 3 places and the rural areas around them.

CDP: census-designated place, an unincorporated community mapped for statistics.

$6,948 a month: the Rappahannock County median budget

How much room does a median Rappahannock County budget have? Take median income, subtract median rent, and check what is left under a few common debt-to-income limits.

• Monthly gross at the median, Rappahannock County: $6,948
• Rent at the median, $1,290, takes 19% of that
• 36% debt-to-income limit: $1,211 left for all other debt payments

If your rent is above $1,290, the room shrinks dollar for dollar.

Reading the Rappahannock County data as a borrower

Based on the Rappahannock County data above, these borrowing questions are most likely to matter locally.

• Care without coverage. About 805 Rappahannock County residents lack insurance; check charity care before a loan (how).
• 37% long commutes. A Rappahannock County repair bill is often urgent; compare the shop's financing with a loan in writing.
• Retirement budgets. In a county with a 50.6 median age, keep any loan term shorter than your plans for the money.
• Higher earners. 42% of households clear $100,000; shop at least three lenders and pick the shortest term.

People and households in Rappahannock County

Degree holders: 33% of adults over 25. Health coverage gaps: 10.8% of Rappahannock County residents are uninsured.

Checklist for Rappahannock County applicants

Before you apply, wherever you live in Rappahannock County:

• Size the loan to the bill, not to the most a lender offers.
• Collect three written offers and compare APR and total repaid.
• Look the lender up with the state regulator first.
• Confirm the first due date before setting up autopay.

Virginia lender licensing

No county office licenses personal lenders. For Rappahannock County, check the Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions. Problems with a lender can also go to the CFPB. The Virginia guide covers state rules in more detail.

Related local guides

The Virginia guide covers the whole state.

• Virginia state guide