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Is Leesburg a Good Place to Live? Leesburg, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Leesburg ranks #64 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($145,205, #9 of 208) and high graduation rates (95%, #22 of 191), and trails on high living costs (108.9, #195 of 208) and high rents ($2,105/mo, #194 of 208).
Leesburg by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Leesburg'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 Leesburg?
Leesburg'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 $2,105/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $851,239, 2.1 times the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Leesburg | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 108.9#1079 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $851,239#1077 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 | $2,440/mo#896 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $667,800#1131 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $2,105/mo#1140 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 17.4%#191 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.
Leesburg 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. Leesburg is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Leesburg safe?
Leesburg recorded 237 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% below the US rate of 328 and 15% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #431 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #77 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Leesburg Police Department. Property crime runs 1,610 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Leesburg | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 237#431 of 1,085 | 206 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,610#528 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 Leesburg?
The median household in Leesburg earns $145,205, 75% above the US figure of $83,163 and 58% above Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Leesburg | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $145,205#50 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% | 6.6%#218 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 Leesburg?
The median resident of Leesburg is 36.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 56.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #173 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Leesburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36.1 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 56.7%#173 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 68.9% | 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 Leesburg's schools and health?
Leesburg's 14 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 11.6 students per teacher and $19,934 spent per pupil. 31.5% of adults are obese and 9.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Leesburg | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 95%#68 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 11.6#61 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $19,934#210 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 31.5%#502 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.3%#265 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 14.9%#250 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 9%#519 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. 11,414 students are enrolled in Leesburg's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Leesburg?
The average commute in Leesburg is 25.3 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 0.9% of workers take transit and 27.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Leesburg scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.8°F and winters 34.8°F, with 43.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Leesburg | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 25.3 min#799 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 7.1%#843 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 63.5% | 68.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.9% | 3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.8% | 2.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 27.7% | 15.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.3#982 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 | 41 | 24.5 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 44 | 25.9 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 52.6 | 32.3 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 64.5 | 42.2 | 3.5 |
| May | 72.9 | 51.6 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 81.4 | 61.1 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 86.4 | 65.5 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 84.7 | 63.9 | 3.6 |
| Sep | 77.8 | 56.1 | 4.8 |
| Oct | 66.3 | 44.3 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 54.9 | 34.5 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 44.7 | 28.4 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Purcellville.
| Measure | Leesburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 54.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 73.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 34.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 43.8 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 Purcellville.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Leesburg?
Loudoun County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Loudoun County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Leesburg | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.08%#55 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 Loudoun County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Loudoun County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0042% | 64% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0028% | 49% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0018% | 46% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0037% | 32% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.057% | 18% 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 Leesburg compare with similar-size cities?
Leesburg is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #14 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 49,171.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leesburg, VAPop. 49,171 | #64 | 69.7 | $145,205 | $2,105/mo | 237 | 25.3 min |
| North Bethesda, MDPop. 49,677 | #29 | 72.1 | $129,092 | $2,191/mo | no data | 29.6 min |
| Sheboygan, WIPop. 49,645 | #484 | 58.3 | $62,927 | $924/mo | 378 | 17.2 min |
| St. Louis Park, MNPop. 49,594 | #113 | 68.0 | $101,648 | $1,644/mo | 122 | 20.2 min |
| Chesterfield, MOPop. 49,574 | #56 | 70.5 | $133,037 | $1,644/mo | 120 | 21.6 min |
| Dublin, OHPop. 49,294 | #39 | 71.5 | $160,296 | $1,686/mo | 109 | 23.2 min |
| Stillwater, OKPop. 49,269 | #802 | 53.3 | $43,700 | $947/mo | 202 | 15.4 min |
| Biloxi, MSPop. 48,861 | #867 | 52.2 | $57,204 | $1,089/mo | 351 | 21.3 min |
| Cleveland, TNPop. 48,829 | #909 | 51.6 | $58,559 | $1,034/mo | 547 | 21.3 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 Leesburg compare with the rest of Virginia?
Leesburg ranks #5 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 69.7 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 58% above the Virginia median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times 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 Leesburg's score calculated?
Leesburg scores 69.7 out of 100, #64 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 Leesburg. Similar-size median 52.9.
89.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Leesburg's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
80.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Leesburg. Similar-size median 52.2.
66.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Leesburg's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
83.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Leesburg's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
38.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Leesburg. Similar-size median 46.7.
91.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Leesburg. Similar-size median 44.2.
46.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Leesburg. Similar-size median 47.3.
60.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Leesburg's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
78.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Leesburg'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 Leesburg 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 Leesburg
Is Leesburg, VA a good place to live?
Leesburg ranks #64 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #14 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($145,205, #9 of 208) and high graduation rates (95%, #22 of 191), and trails on high living costs (108.9, #195 of 208) and high rents ($2,105/mo, #194 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Leesburg?
Leesburg'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 $2,105/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $851,239, 2.1 times the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
What is the crime rate in Leesburg?
Leesburg recorded 237 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% below the US rate of 328 and 15% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #431 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #77 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Leesburg Police Department. Property crime runs 1,610 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Leesburg?
The median household in Leesburg earns $145,205, 75% above the US figure of $83,163 and 58% above Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Leesburg?
Median rent in Leesburg is $2,105/mo (Census), #1140 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,440/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Leesburg?
The typical home value in Leesburg is $851,239, up 2.6% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $667,800.
How are the public schools in Leesburg?
Leesburg's 14 public schools graduate 95% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 11.6 students per teacher and $19,934 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Leesburg?
The average commute is 25.3 minutes, #799 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 7.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Leesburg?
Leesburg averages 54.2°F over the year, 73.8°F in summer and 34.8°F in winter, with 43.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Leesburg walkable?
Leesburg scores 8.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #982 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 Leesburg at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Loudoun County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Leesburg?
Loudoun County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Leesburg?
Leesburg has 49,171 residents. The median resident of Leesburg is 36.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 56.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #173 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Leesburg compare with the rest of Virginia?
Leesburg ranks #5 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 69.7 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 58% above the Virginia median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 2.1 times the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Leesburg?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Leesburg's population of 49,171 are North Bethesda, MD (#29 overall), Sheboygan, WI (#484 overall), St. Louis Park, MN (#113 overall), Chesterfield, MO (#56 overall), and Dublin, OH (#39 overall). Leesburg is #64.