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Basic Needs Exceed Income For Many Virginians

By: Rebecca Blatt // March 1, 2011
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An income of about $44,000 a year is needed to cover basic expenses for a family of four in Virginia.
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An income of about $44,000 a year is needed to cover basic expenses for a family of four in Virginia.

A study shows that on average, statewide, a family of four in the state needs to bring in approximately $44,000 a year to cover basic expenses, including housing, food and child care.

There was regional variation in their data.

Researchers say the average household in Northern Virginia would have to earn approximately $64,000 a year to cover basic expenses.

But while that's the highest cost of living in the state, the region also had the highest rate of families in a position to cover expenses. The study's authors say that's because Northern Virginia residents have, on average, higher levels of education and income.

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