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Is Charlottesville a Good Place to Live? Charlottesville, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Charlottesville ranks #247 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #46 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #25 of 184) and short commutes (17 min, #33 of 208), and trails on expensive homes ($486,700, #181 of 208) and a shrinking population (-0.5%, #153 of 182).
Charlottesville by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Charlottesville'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 Charlottesville?
Charlottesville's cost of living index is 99.1, 1% below the US level of 100 and #628 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,540/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $515,056, 24% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Charlottesville | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 99.1#628 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $515,056#841 of 1,187 | $414,662 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,959/mo#689 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $486,700#963 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,540/mo#746 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 6.5x#1108 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 24.7%#971 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Charlottesville 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. Charlottesville is in the Charlottesville, VA metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Charlottesville safe?
Charlottesville recorded 277 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% below the US rate of 328 and 34% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #519 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #96 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Charlottesville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,810 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Charlottesville | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 277#519 of 1,085 | 206 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,810#914 of 1,085 | 1,354 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Charlottesville?
The median household in Charlottesville earns $74,824, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Charlottesville | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $74,824#708 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 19.6%#1098 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.5%#952 of 1,132 | +0.7% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Charlottesville?
The median resident of Charlottesville is 33.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 62.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #106 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Charlottesville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 33.1 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 62.5%#106 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 44.2% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Charlottesville's schools and health?
Charlottesville's 11 public schools graduate 91.7% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 12.4 students per teacher and $19,611 spent per pupil. 32.4% of adults are obese and 9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Charlottesville | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 91.7%#278 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 12.4#120 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $19,611#222 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 32.4%#564 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9%#216 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.5%#449 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,163 students are enrolled in Charlottesville's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Charlottesville?
The average commute in Charlottesville is 17 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 5.6% of workers take transit and 21.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Charlottesville scores 14.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.9°F and winters 40.4°F, with 41.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Charlottesville | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 17 min#137 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.4%#89 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 53.1% | 68.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 5.6% | 3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 11.3% | 2.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 3.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 21.4% | 15.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.4#100 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 47.3 | 29.5 | 3 |
| Feb | 51.4 | 31.3 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 59.6 | 37.7 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 70.3 | 46.6 | 3.2 |
| May | 77.5 | 55.6 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 85.6 | 64 | 4.4 |
| Jul | 89.7 | 68.3 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 87.3 | 66.5 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 81 | 59.7 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 70.6 | 47.9 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 59.7 | 38.5 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 50.7 | 32.2 | 3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Charlottesville Albemarle Airport.
| Measure | Charlottesville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 58.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 76.9°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 40.4°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 41.6 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Charlottesville Albemarle Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Charlottesville?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Charlottesville's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Charlottesville city's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Charlottesville | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#124 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Charlottesville city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Charlottesville city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0095% | 78% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0077% | 72% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0015% | 41% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0026% | 26% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.056% | 17% 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 Charlottesville compare with similar-size cities?
Charlottesville is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #46 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 45,437.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #247 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 | 17 min |
| Hackensack, NJPop. 46,057 | #293 | 62.2 | $84,277 | $1,911/mo | 235 | 28.9 min |
| Potomac, MDPop. 45,902 | #19 | 72.9 | $236,675 | $2,887/mo | no data | 29.7 min |
| Huntington, WVPop. 45,787 | #1221 | 44.2 | $45,100 | $912/mo | 670 | 19 min |
| Riverton, UTPop. 45,457 | #148 | 66.3 | $126,910 | $2,137/mo | 62 | 24.8 min |
| Columbia, TNPop. 45,441 | #756 | 54.1 | $63,719 | $1,197/mo | 371 | 28 min |
| West Seneca, NYPop. 45,303 | #230 | 63.7 | $79,709 | $1,106/mo | no data | 23 min |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #688 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 | 24 min |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #981 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 | 23.1 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 Charlottesville compare with the rest of Virginia?
Charlottesville ranks #7 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 63.3 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 19% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 24% 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 Charlottesville's score calculated?
Charlottesville scores 63.3 out of 100, #247 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 Charlottesville. Similar-size median 52.9.
59.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Charlottesville's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
68.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Charlottesville. Similar-size median 52.2.
57.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Charlottesville's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
78.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Charlottesville's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
59.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Charlottesville. Similar-size median 46.7.
36.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Charlottesville. Similar-size median 44.2.
40.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Charlottesville. Similar-size median 47.3.
82.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Charlottesville's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
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 54.8.
92.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Charlottesville's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville
Is Charlottesville, VA a good place to live?
Charlottesville ranks #247 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #46 of 208 small cities and #7 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #25 of 184) and short commutes (17 min, #33 of 208), and trails on expensive homes ($486,700, #181 of 208) and a shrinking population (-0.5%, #153 of 182).
What is the cost of living in Charlottesville?
Charlottesville's cost of living index is 99.1, 1% below the US level of 100 and #628 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,540/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $515,056, 24% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
What is the crime rate in Charlottesville?
Charlottesville recorded 277 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% below the US rate of 328 and 34% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #519 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #96 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Charlottesville Police Department. Property crime runs 2,810 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Charlottesville?
The median household in Charlottesville earns $74,824, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Charlottesville?
Median rent in Charlottesville is $1,540/mo (Census), #746 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,959/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Charlottesville?
The typical home value in Charlottesville is $515,056, up 1.1% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $486,700.
How are the public schools in Charlottesville?
Charlottesville's 11 public schools graduate 91.7% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 12.4 students per teacher and $19,611 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Charlottesville?
The average commute is 17 minutes, #137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 2.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Charlottesville?
Charlottesville averages 58.7°F over the year, 76.9°F in summer and 40.4°F in winter, with 41.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Charlottesville walkable?
Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Charlottesville city's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 93% of US counties.
Who lives in Charlottesville?
Charlottesville has 45,437 residents. The median resident of Charlottesville is 33.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 62.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #106 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 44.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Charlottesville compare with the rest of Virginia?
Charlottesville ranks #7 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 63.3 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 19% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 24% above the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Charlottesville?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Charlottesville's population of 45,437 are Hackensack, NJ (#293 overall), Potomac, MD (#19 overall), Huntington, WV (#1221 overall), Riverton, UT (#148 overall), and Columbia, TN (#756 overall). Charlottesville is #247.