VirginiaPop. 236,254Mid-size cities
Is Arlington a Good Place to Live? Arlington, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Arlington ranks #11 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #1 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($142,114, #10 of 256) and low poverty (7.4%, #33 of 256), and trails on expensive homes ($895,000, #237 of 256) and high rents ($2,322/mo, #236 of 256).
Arlington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Arlington's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Arlington: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Arlington safe?
What is the cost of living in Arlington?
Arlington'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 $2,322/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $806,571, 95% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Arlington | 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 | $806,571#1055 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 | $2,702/mo#965 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $895,000#1227 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,322/mo#1212 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.3x#1077 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.6%#407 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.
Arlington 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. Arlington is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Arlington safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Arlington alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Arlington crime rate or rank it on safety. Virginia as a whole records 206 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Arlington?
The median household in Arlington earns $142,114, 71% above the US figure of $83,163 and 54% above Virginia ($92,090). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Arlington | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $142,114#57 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 7.4%#274 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
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.
Who lives in Arlington?
The median resident of Arlington is 35.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 77.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #12 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Arlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 77.1%#12 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 41.3% | 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 Arlington's schools and health?
Arlington's 36 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 14 students per teacher and $23,424 spent per pupil. 24.9% of adults are obese and 7.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Arlington | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14#282 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $23,424#81 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 24.9%#137 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 7.3%#59 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 13.9%#130 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 6.7%#218 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. 27,508 students are enrolled in Arlington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Arlington?
The average commute in Arlington is 26.2 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 14% of workers take transit and 35.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Arlington scores 14.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #123 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 | Arlington | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 26.2 min#876 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.7%#524 of 1,312 | 10% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 38% | 68.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 14% | 3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.4% | 2.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.4% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 35.3% | 15.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.2#123 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 | Arlington | 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 Arlington?
Arlington County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 87% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Arlington County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Arlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.08%#56 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 Arlington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Arlington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0069% | 70% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0034% | 64% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0025% | 46% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0015% | 44% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.003% | 28% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.053% | 14% 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 Arlington compare with similar-size cities?
Arlington is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #1 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 236,254.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VAPop. 236,254 | #11 | 75.0 | $142,114 | $2,322/mo | no data | 26.2 min |
| Garland, TXPop. 246,844 | #727 | 54.5 | $76,320 | $1,641/mo | 191 | 29.7 min |
| Scottsdale, AZPop. 243,821 | #345 | 61.0 | $110,886 | $2,013/mo | 175 | 21.6 min |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #616 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 min |
| Port St. Lucie, FLPop. 232,491 | #488 | 58.2 | $80,648 | $1,937/mo | 128 | 30.5 min |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #767 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 | 20.6 min |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #651 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 | 34.1 min |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #589 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 | 19.7 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 Arlington compare with the rest of Virginia?
Arlington ranks #2 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 75 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 54% above the Virginia median. Homes are 95% 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 Arlington's score calculated?
Arlington scores 75 out of 100, #11 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 8 of 11 categories with local data; safety, growth, and outdoor access are 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, some inputs missing · 20% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Arlington. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.9.
93.1 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Arlington. Similar-size median 53.8.
81.1 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Arlington's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
75.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Arlington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
26.5 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Arlington. Similar-size median 51.2.
88.4 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Arlington. Similar-size median 50.1.
79.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Arlington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
69.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
81.2 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Arlington alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Arlington.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Arlington'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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Is Arlington, VA a good place to live?
Arlington ranks #11 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #1 of 256 mid-size cities and #2 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($142,114, #10 of 256) and low poverty (7.4%, #33 of 256), and trails on expensive homes ($895,000, #237 of 256) and high rents ($2,322/mo, #236 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Arlington?
Arlington'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 $2,322/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $806,571, 95% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
Is Arlington safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Arlington alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Arlington crime rate or rank it on safety. Virginia as a whole records 206 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Arlington?
The median household in Arlington earns $142,114, 71% above the US figure of $83,163 and 54% above Virginia ($92,090). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Arlington?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,322/mo (Census), #1212 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,702/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Arlington?
The typical home value in Arlington is $806,571, up 0.8% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $895,000.
How are the public schools in Arlington?
Arlington's 36 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 14 students per teacher and $23,424 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Arlington?
The average commute is 26.2 minutes, #876 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 4.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Arlington?
Arlington 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 Arlington walkable?
Arlington scores 14.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #123 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 Arlington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Arlington County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, strong wind, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Arlington?
Arlington County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 87% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Arlington?
Arlington has 236,254 residents. The median resident of Arlington is 35.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 77.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #12 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Arlington compare with the rest of Virginia?
Arlington ranks #2 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 75 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 54% above the Virginia median. Homes are 95% above the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Arlington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Arlington's population of 236,254 are Garland, TX (#727 overall), Scottsdale, AZ (#345 overall), Enterprise, NV (#616 overall), Boise, ID (#200 overall), and Port St. Lucie, FL (#488 overall). Arlington is #11.