Local regulations are also a hurdle, Pethia said, because a large majority of parcels in the area are zoned for single-family homes. Albemarle County also has confined growth to development areas, thus cutting down on places for affordable housing.

Pethia said that county seniors receiving a monthly Social Security check that averages $1,594 couldn’t rent in the area without spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing. About 23 percent of the area’s populations in urban areas and 36 percent of those in rural areas are 55 or older, Pethia said.

Pethia said 11,000 households spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Of those, about 45 percent use more than half of their income for housing.

Mathon said residents in rural areas face different challenges than those in urban areas. Housing may be cheaper, but the savings in rent or mortgages can quickly be spent on transportation and other costs instead.

It’s also hard to provide the same amenities to affordable housing complexes as market-rate units because rent doesn’t support permanent staff.

“Where you live makes an enormous difference,” Mathon said.