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Market MapVirginiaEssex

Essex County

VirginiaPopulation: 10,602
46
/100
Hold
#624 of 1,000 counties
#112 in Virginia (133 counties)
Analysis by RentalCalcs Research·Independent data + algorithm-driven scoring
Updated January 1, 2026Sources: Zillow ZHVI, Zillow ZORI, US Census ACS, Tax Foundation

Market Snapshot

$288,962
Median Home Price
24% above national median
$17,158/mo
Est. Rent
Based on regional data
5.94%
Rent-to-Price Ratio
Estimated from price data
+$0
Est. Monthly Cash Flow
With 20% down at 6.9% rate

Price History

Historical data from Zillow ZHVI/ZORI

Score Breakdown

Overall Investment Score
46/100
46
Cash Flow(30%)
0/100

Rent data not available for cash flow calculation.

Appreciation(25%)
43/100

Based on -1.3% YoY price growth. Moderate growth (3-8%) scores highest.

Stability(25%)
50/100

Population data not available.

Affordability(20%)
47/100

Price-to-income ratio of 5.5x. Lower ratios indicate more affordable markets.

Scores are calculated using real Zillow home value and rent data, Census population data, and economic indicators. The weighted average produces the overall investment score. Markets with missing rent data use estimated values based on regional averages.

Investment Outlook

Strengths

No significant strengths identified based on current data.

Challenges

  • -Declining home values (-1.3% YoY)
  • -Negative leverage (cap rate 0.0% < mortgage rate 6.9%)
  • -Limited rent data (estimates used)

Economic Indicators

Population
10,602
Median Income
$52,335
vs $57,059 national est.
Unemployment Rate
—
Data pending
Price-to-Income
5.5x
Less affordable

Who this market fits

Skip if
  • −You can't tolerate negative leverage (cap rate below mortgage rate today)
  • −You expect appreciation to carry the deal, but prices have declined year over year

Compare to Nearby Counties

CountyVerdict
BuchananVA
47$74,741Est. pending—HoldView
BrunswickVA
47$130,410Est. pending—HoldView
CurrentEssexVA
46$288,962Est. pending—Hold
Fairfax CityVA
46$755,224$2,4473.89%HoldView
Emporia CityVA
44$140,161Est. pending—AvoidView
FairfaxVA
44$746,934$2,4413.92%AvoidView

The Bottom Line

HoldEssex is a neutral market.

Essex County in Virginia scores 46/100, ranking #624 of 1,000 US counties (top 83%). At 20% down and current rates, a median-priced rental roughly breaks even on cash flow. The deal works on appreciation or with better terms, not on month-one cash flow.

Monthly Cash Flow
+$0/mo
Cap Rate
0.0%
Cash-on-Cash
0.0%

Related markets

Markets like Essex with stronger cash flow

  • Fairfax County for cash-flow rentals
  • Fairfax City for cash-flow rentals

Cheaper alternatives to Essex

  • Buchanan County, lower entry price
  • Brunswick County, lower entry price
  • Emporia City, lower entry price

Head-to-head comparisons

  • Essex vs Fairfax City for rentals
  • Essex vs Buchanan for rentals
  • Essex vs Brunswick for rentals
All counties in Virginia →

Ready to Analyze a Deal in Essex?

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