VirginiaPop. 49,627Small cities
Is McLean a Good Place to Live? McLean, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
McLean ranks #21 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #3 of 208 small cities and #3 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($250,001, #1 of 208) and low poverty (2.9%, #2 of 208), and trails on high rents ($3,422/mo, #208 of 208) and expensive homes ($1,412,700, #208 of 208).
McLean by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with McLean'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 McLean: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is McLean safe?
What is the cost of living in McLean?
McLean'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 $3,422/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,459,672, 3.5 times the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | McLean | 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 | $1,459,672#1165 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 | $2,731/mo#968 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $1,412,700#1293 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $3,422/mo#1305 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 5.7x#982 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 16.4%#122 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.
McLean 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. McLean is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Virginia housing market →Is McLean safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for McLean alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a McLean 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 McLean?
The median household in McLean earns $250,001, 3 times the US figure of $83,163 and 2.7 times Virginia ($92,090). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | McLean | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $250,001#1 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 2.9%#14 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
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 McLean?
The median resident of McLean is 46.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 84.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #5 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 86.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | McLean | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 46.6 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 84.3%#5 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 86.1% | 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 McLean's schools and health?
McLean's 8 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $18,975 spent per pupil. 21.1% of adults are obese and 10.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | McLean | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.7#584 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $18,975#264 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 21.1%#28 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.1%#419 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 10.1%#3 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 4%#16 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. 9,094 students are enrolled in McLean's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in McLean?
The average commute in McLean is 28.1 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 3.4% of workers take transit and 38.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index McLean scores 10.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #653 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.9°F and winters 36.4°F, with 48.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | McLean | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 28.1 min#1006 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.9%#558 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 51.3% | 68.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 3.4% | 3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 2.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 38.3% | 15.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10.4#653 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 | 42.9 | 25.5 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 46.4 | 27.3 | 3.2 |
| Mar | 54.8 | 33.5 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 67.6 | 43.6 | 3.5 |
| May | 75.7 | 53.7 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 84 | 62.8 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 88.2 | 68 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 86.2 | 66.3 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 79.4 | 59.2 | 4.5 |
| Oct | 68 | 46.8 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 56.4 | 36.4 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 46.9 | 29.6 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dalecarlia Rsvr.
| Measure | McLean | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.2°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 75.9°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 36.4°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 48.5 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 Dalecarlia Rsvr.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in McLean?
Fairfax County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 78% 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 Fairfax County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | McLean | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 42#457 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% | 0.09%#115 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 Fairfax County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Fairfax County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0073% | 71% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0033% | 54% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.064% | 27% 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 McLean compare with similar-size cities?
McLean is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #3 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 49,627.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McLean, VAPop. 49,627 | #21 | 72.6 | $250,001 | $3,422/mo | no data | 28.1 min |
| Covina, CAPop. 49,888 | #676 | 55.5 | $98,671 | $1,931/mo | 285 | 31 min |
| Tamiami, FLPop. 49,752 | #1083 | 48.3 | $78,353 | $1,939/mo | no data | 32.7 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 |
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 McLean compare with the rest of Virginia?
McLean ranks #3 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 72.6 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 2.7 times the Virginia median. Homes are 3.5 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 McLean's score calculated?
McLean scores 72.6 out of 100, #21 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 McLean. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.9.
100.0 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in McLean. Similar-size median 52.2.
88.1 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in McLean's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
66.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
McLean's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
18.1 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in McLean. Similar-size median 46.7.
100.0 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in McLean. Similar-size median 47.3.
65.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across McLean's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
49.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
74.7 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving McLean alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for McLean.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: McLean'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 McLean 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 McLean
Is McLean, VA a good place to live?
McLean ranks #21 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #3 of 208 small cities and #3 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($250,001, #1 of 208) and low poverty (2.9%, #2 of 208), and trails on high rents ($3,422/mo, #208 of 208) and expensive homes ($1,412,700, #208 of 208).
What is the cost of living in McLean?
McLean'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 $3,422/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,459,672, 3.5 times the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
Is McLean safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for McLean alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a McLean 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 McLean?
The median household in McLean earns $250,001, 3 times the US figure of $83,163 and 2.7 times Virginia ($92,090). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in McLean?
Median rent in McLean is $3,422/mo (Census), #1305 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,731/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in McLean?
The typical home value in McLean is $1,459,672, up 2.5% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $1,412,700.
How are the public schools in McLean?
McLean's 8 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 15.7 students per teacher and $18,975 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in McLean?
The average commute is 28.1 minutes, #1006 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 4.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in McLean?
McLean averages 56.2°F over the year, 75.9°F in summer and 36.4°F in winter, with 48.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is McLean walkable?
McLean scores 10.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #653 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 McLean at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fairfax County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in McLean?
Fairfax County's air had a median air quality index of 42, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in McLean?
McLean has 49,627 residents. The median resident of McLean is 46.6 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 84.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #5 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 86.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does McLean compare with the rest of Virginia?
McLean ranks #3 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 72.6 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 2.7 times the Virginia median. Homes are 3.5 times the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to McLean?
The tracked cities in other states closest to McLean's population of 49,627 are Covina, CA (#676 overall), Tamiami, FL (#1083 overall), North Bethesda, MD (#29 overall), Sheboygan, WI (#484 overall), and St. Louis Park, MN (#113 overall). McLean is #21.