Virginia
Virginia ranks #9 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 75.2/100 and a A grade. Its strongest category is Education (82/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (20/100).
How Does Virginia Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in Virginia
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | Arlington | A+ | 68.2 | 234,162 | $140,219 | — | 108.6 |
| 49 | Leesburg | A+ | 65.9 | 48,788 | $140,668 | 255.7 | — |
| 74 | McLean | A+ | 64.9 | 50,232 | $250,001 | — | — |
| 97 | Reston | A+ | 63.9 | 66,070 | $130,635 | — | — |
| 108 | Alexandria | A | 63.3 | 155,230 | $110,294 | 254.7 | 108.6 |
| 127 | Centreville | A | 62.5 | 71,374 | $131,503 | — | — |
| 188 | Dale City | A | 60.7 | 70,529 | $121,763 | — | 107.5 |
| 216 | Tuckahoe | B+ | 59.8 | 48,610 | $96,188 | — | — |
| 292 | Virginia Beach | B+ | 57.8 | 453,649 | $91,141 | 121.8 | 97.4 |
| 434 | Chesapeake | B | 54.6 | 253,886 | $92,633 | 423.5 | 97.4 |
| 441 | Charlottesville | B | 54.3 | 45,863 | $69,829 | 323.1 | 98.6 |
| 530 | Lynchburg | C+ | 52.4 | 79,535 | $61,693 | 340.8 | 90.3 |
| 558 | Suffolk | C+ | 52.0 | 100,659 | $81,154 | 550.7 | 97.4 |
| 588 | Harrisonburg | C+ | 51.2 | 51,492 | $59,752 | 223.8 | 93.2 |
| 593 | Richmond | C+ | 51.0 | 229,247 | $65,650 | 401.6 | 98 |
| 608 | Hampton | C+ | 50.7 | 137,098 | $70,238 | 285.1 | 97.4 |
| 762 | Norfolk | C | 46.7 | 230,930 | $62,382 | 542.3 | 97.4 |
| 784 | Roanoke | C | 45.8 | 97,171 | $51,038 | 587 | 90.9 |
| 786 | Newport News | C | 45.7 | 183,118 | $64,962 | 882.4 | 97.4 |
| 909 | Portsmouth | D | 41.2 | 96,793 | $57,109 | 832.9 | 97.4 |
Best Cities in Virginia for...
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Virginia Rankings Overview
Virginia earns an overall grade of A with a composite score of 75.2 out of 100, ranking #9 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Education (82/100) while its biggest challenge is Outdoor Access (20/100).
Economy & Employment in Virginia
With an unemployment rate of 2.9% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Virginia performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $87,106, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Virginia
Virginia's violent crime rate of 201 per 100,000 residents places it in the top half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Virginia
Virginia ranks #12 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #10 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in Virginia is 78.4 years, and the high school graduation rate is 89%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in Virginia
Virginia's total tax burden is 8.86% of personal income, which is above the national average of 8.74%. The top marginal income tax rate is 5.75%. The effective property tax rate is 0.76% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 5.77%.
Housing & Affordability in Virginia
The median home price in Virginia is $444,000, compared to the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 101 (where 100 equals the national average), roughly in line with national costs. The price-to-income ratio is 5.1x.
Environment in Virginia
Virginia has a median air quality index of 37 (EPA AirData), better than the national average. 10% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 5.5 (below average risk).
Growth & Migration in Virginia
Virginia's population growth rate is +0.8% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is +0.6 per 1,000 residents, indicating more people are moving in than out. 90.5% of households have broadband internet access.
Best Cities in Virginia
The top-ranked cities in Virginia based on our composite scoring are Arlington, Leesburg, and McLean. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Virginia's overall ranking?
Virginia ranks #9 out of 50 states with a composite score of 75.2/100 and a grade of A.
Is Virginia a good place to live?
Virginia ranks among the top-performing states in America with a composite score of 75.2/100. Its strengths in areas like economic opportunity and public safety make it an attractive place to live for many residents.
What is the crime rate in Virginia?
The violent crime rate in Virginia is 201 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Virginia's economy compare?
Virginia's median household income is $87,106 with an unemployment rate of 2.9%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Virginia?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Virginia are Arlington, Leesburg, and McLean.
How does Virginia rank for families?
Virginia ranks #11 of 50 states for families with a score of 79.4/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does Virginia rank for retirees?
Virginia ranks #12 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 72.7/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does Virginia rank for remote workers?
Virginia ranks #13 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 62.2/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.