VirginiaPop. 156,976Mid-size cities
Is Alexandria a Good Place to Live? Alexandria, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Alexandria ranks #83 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #10 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241) and high household income ($119,681, #29 of 256), and trails on expensive homes ($735,100, #224 of 256) and high rents ($2,089/mo, #212 of 256).
Alexandria by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Alexandria's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Alexandria?
Alexandria's cost of living index is 108.9, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1079 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,089/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $666,031, 61% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Alexandria | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 108.9#1079 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $666,031#992 of 1,187 | $414,662 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,285/mo#833 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $735,100#1167 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,089/mo#1132 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.1x#1055 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 20.9%#556 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Alexandria housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Alexandria is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Alexandria safe?
Alexandria recorded 142 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 57% below the US rate of 328 and 31% below Virginia's 206. That ranks #223 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #31 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alexandria Police Department. Property crime runs 1,654 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Alexandria | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 142#223 of 1,085 | 206 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,654#551 of 1,085 | 1,354 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Alexandria?
The median household in Alexandria earns $119,681, 44% above the US figure of $83,163 and 30% above Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Alexandria | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $119,681#158 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 7.9%#319 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +0.7% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Alexandria?
The median resident of Alexandria is 37.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 66.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #74 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Alexandria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 66.2%#74 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 42.1% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Alexandria's schools and health?
Alexandria's 19 public schools graduate 87.2% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $21,629 spent per pupil. 31.7% of adults are obese and 9.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Alexandria | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 87.2%#573 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $21,629#138 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 31.7%#518 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.2%#252 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15%#262 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.6%#465 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,940 students are enrolled in Alexandria's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Alexandria?
The average commute in Alexandria is 28.4 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 12.1% of workers take transit and 28.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Alexandria scores 14.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.9°F and winters 39.7°F, with 41.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Alexandria | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28.4 min#1022 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 7.3%#859 of 1,312 | 10% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 48.3% | 68.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 12.1% | 3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.5% | 2.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 28.9% | 15.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.4#100 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44.8 | 30.1 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 48.3 | 31.8 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 56.5 | 38.6 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 68 | 48.4 | 3.2 |
| May | 76.5 | 58 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 85.1 | 67.5 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 89.6 | 72.4 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 87.8 | 71 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 80.7 | 64.1 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 69.4 | 52.2 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 58.2 | 41.6 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 48.8 | 34.5 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Washington Reagan Natl Airport.
| Measure | Alexandria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 59.3°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 78.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 39.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 41.8 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Washington Reagan Natl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Alexandria?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Alexandria's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alexandria city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Alexandria | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.12%#437 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Alexandria city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Alexandria city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0069% | 70% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0035% | 65% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0045% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.089% | 59% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0014% | 57% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0014% | 42% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.003% | 28% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Alexandria compare with similar-size cities?
Alexandria is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #10 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 156,976.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #83 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 | 28.4 min |
| Paterson, NJPop. 158,735 | #1239 | 43.1 | $55,997 | $1,548/mo | 869 | 22.6 min |
| Killeen, TXPop. 158,159 | #1168 | 46.1 | $60,977 | $1,208/mo | 498 | 25.5 min |
| Lakewood, COPop. 156,583 | #775 | 53.7 | $89,792 | $1,806/mo | 675 | 25.5 min |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #1272 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 | 22.2 min |
| Roseville, CAPop. 155,955 | #232 | 63.6 | $119,288 | $2,142/mo | 191 | 27.3 min |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #1185 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 | 22.4 min |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #995 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year | 29.4 min |
| Surprise, AZPop. 154,948 | #391 | 60.2 | $96,711 | $2,033/mo | 86 | 30.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Alexandria compare with the rest of Virginia?
Alexandria ranks #6 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 68.9 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 30% above the Virginia median. Violent crime is 31% below the statewide rate. Homes are 61% above the typical Virginia home.
| City | Rank in VA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reston, VAPop. 64,414 | #1 | 75.8 | $148,710 | $2,231/mo | no data |
| Arlington, VAPop. 236,254 | #2 | 75.0 | $142,114 | $2,322/mo | no data |
| McLean, VAPop. 49,627 | #3 | 72.6 | $250,001 | $3,422/mo | no data |
| Centreville, VAPop. 71,706 | #4 | 71.5 | $139,510 | $2,299/mo | no data |
| Leesburg, VAPop. 49,171 | #5 | 69.7 | $145,205 | $2,105/mo | 237 |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #6 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #7 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #8 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 |
| Tuckahoe, VAPop. 49,183 | #9 | 61.8 | $102,264 | $1,536/mo | no data |
| Chesapeake, VAPop. 252,583 | #10 | 59.4 | $95,373 | $1,586/mo | 319 |
| Harrisonburg, VAPop. 51,392 | #11 | 59.4 | $62,254 | $1,184/mo | 211 |
| Lynchburg, VAPop. 79,497 | #12 | 58.8 | $57,947 | $1,073/mo | 361 |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #13 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #14 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 |
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #15 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #16 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 |
| Norfolk, VAPop. 233,596 | #17 | 54.1 | $66,109 | $1,321/mo | 399 |
| Roanoke, VAPop. 98,355 | #18 | 53.4 | $55,378 | $996/mo | 554 |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #19 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 |
| Portsmouth, VAPop. 97,190 | #20 | 48.4 | $60,491 | $1,300/mo | 773 |
All 20 Virginia cities we track, by overall score. Virginia statewide: median income $92,090, violent crime 205.9 per 100,000.
How is Alexandria's score calculated?
Alexandria scores 68.9 out of 100, #83 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Virginia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Alexandria. Similar-size median 52.9.
77.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Alexandria's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
85.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Alexandria. Similar-size median 53.8.
66.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Alexandria's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
72.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Alexandria's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
36.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Alexandria. Similar-size median 51.2.
77.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Alexandria. Similar-size median 42.1.
52.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Alexandria. Similar-size median 50.1.
73.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Alexandria's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
70.5 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 45.9.
69.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Alexandria's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Alexandria has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Alexandria
Is Alexandria, VA a good place to live?
Alexandria ranks #83 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #10 of 256 mid-size cities and #6 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241) and high household income ($119,681, #29 of 256), and trails on expensive homes ($735,100, #224 of 256) and high rents ($2,089/mo, #212 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Alexandria?
Alexandria's cost of living index is 108.9, 9% above the US level of 100 and #1079 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,089/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $666,031, 61% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
What is the crime rate in Alexandria?
Alexandria recorded 142 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 57% below the US rate of 328 and 31% below Virginia's 206. That ranks #223 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #31 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alexandria Police Department. Property crime runs 1,654 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Alexandria?
The median household in Alexandria earns $119,681, 44% above the US figure of $83,163 and 30% above Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Alexandria?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,089/mo (Census), #1132 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,285/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Alexandria?
The typical home value in Alexandria is $666,031, up 0.9% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $735,100.
How are the public schools in Alexandria?
Alexandria's 19 public schools graduate 87.2% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $21,629 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Alexandria?
The average commute is 28.4 minutes, #1022 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 7.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Alexandria?
Alexandria averages 59.3°F over the year, 78.9°F in summer and 39.7°F in winter, with 41.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Alexandria walkable?
Alexandria scores 14.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Alexandria at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Alexandria city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
Who lives in Alexandria?
Alexandria has 156,976 residents. The median resident of Alexandria is 37.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 66.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #74 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Alexandria compare with the rest of Virginia?
Alexandria ranks #6 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 68.9 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 30% above the Virginia median. Violent crime is 31% below the statewide rate. Homes are 61% above the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Alexandria?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Alexandria's population of 156,976 are Paterson, NJ (#1239 overall), Killeen, TX (#1168 overall), Lakewood, CO (#775 overall), Macon, GA (#1272 overall), and Roseville, CA (#232 overall). Alexandria is #83.