VirginiaPop. 64,414Smaller cities
Is Reston a Good Place to Live? Reston, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Reston ranks #7 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #4 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($148,710, #26 of 524) and low poverty (5.7%, #67 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,231/mo, #448 of 524) and expensive homes ($642,000, #422 of 524).
Reston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Reston'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 Reston: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Reston safe?
What is the cost of living in Reston?
Reston'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 $2,231/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $624,958, 51% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Reston | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 108.9#1079 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $624,958#957 of 1,187 | $414,662 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,598/mo#940 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $642,000#1109 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,231/mo#1177 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.3x#667 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18%#247 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Reston 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. Reston is in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Reston safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Reston alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Reston 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 Reston?
The median household in Reston earns $148,710, 79% above the US figure of $83,163 and 61% above Virginia ($92,090). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Reston | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $148,710#45 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.7%#152 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Reston?
The median resident of Reston is 40.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 72% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #37 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Reston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 72%#37 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 60.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Reston's schools and health?
Reston's 10 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $18,975 spent per pupil. 24.5% of adults are obese and 9.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Reston | 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 16.4 | 12.5#127 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,975#264 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 24.5%#121 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.4%#278 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 12.5%#31 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 6.7%#218 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,936 students are enrolled in Reston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Reston?
The average commute in Reston is 26 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 5.6% of workers take transit and 33.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Reston scores 13.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #310 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.1°F and winters 36°F, with 43.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Reston | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26 min#859 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7%#835 of 1,312 | 10% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 52.1% | 68.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 5.6% | 3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.5% | 2.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 33.5% | 15.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.1#310 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 42.6 | 25.2 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 46.1 | 26.7 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 54.8 | 33.6 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 66.8 | 43.2 | 3.5 |
| May | 75 | 53 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 83.1 | 61.9 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 87.6 | 66.8 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 86.3 | 65.2 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 79.3 | 57.9 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 67.8 | 45.3 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 56.5 | 35.6 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 46.5 | 29 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Washington Dulles International Airport.
| Measure | Reston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 55.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 75.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 36°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 43.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Washington Dulles International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Reston?
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 | Reston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 42#457 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#115 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Reston compare with similar-size cities?
Reston is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #4 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 64,414.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reston, VAPop. 64,414 | #7 | 75.8 | $148,710 | $2,231/mo | no data | 26 min |
| Port Orange, FLPop. 64,767 | #920 | 51.4 | $74,426 | $1,634/mo | part year | 25.9 min |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #1015 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 | 18.1 min |
| North Little Rock, ARPop. 64,538 | #1250 | 42.4 | $52,707 | $1,069/mo | 960 | 19.8 min |
| Bellevue, NEPop. 64,510 | #312 | 61.8 | $85,462 | $1,226/mo | 108 | 20.8 min |
| Burnsville, MNPop. 64,463 | #318 | 61.7 | $87,024 | $1,513/mo | 163 | 23.3 min |
| South San Francisco, CAPop. 64,305 | #266 | 62.8 | $136,578 | $2,802/mo | 309 | 25.6 min |
| Utica, NYPop. 64,217 | #963 | 50.7 | $52,484 | $951/mo | 455 | 19.5 min |
| Huntersville, NCPop. 63,969 | #111 | 68.0 | $120,516 | $1,834/mo | 115 | 27.1 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 Reston compare with the rest of Virginia?
Reston ranks #1 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 75.8 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 61% above the Virginia median. Homes are 51% 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 Reston's score calculated?
Reston scores 75.8 out of 100, #7 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 Reston. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.5.
98.9 - HealthCity data · 16% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Reston. Similar-size median 58.9.
80.2 - EducationCity data · 16% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Reston's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
73.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 13% of score
Reston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
38.4 - Household financesCity data · 11% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Reston. Similar-size median 56.1.
94.4 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Reston. Similar-size median 50.0.
68.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Reston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
63.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
74.7 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Reston alone.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Reston.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Reston's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Reston 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 Reston
Is Reston, VA a good place to live?
Reston ranks #7 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #4 of 524 smaller cities and #1 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($148,710, #26 of 524) and low poverty (5.7%, #67 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,231/mo, #448 of 524) and expensive homes ($642,000, #422 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Reston?
Reston'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 $2,231/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $624,958, 51% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
Is Reston safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Reston alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Reston 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 Reston?
The median household in Reston earns $148,710, 79% above the US figure of $83,163 and 61% above Virginia ($92,090). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Reston?
Median rent in Reston is $2,231/mo (Census), #1177 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,598/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Reston?
The typical home value in Reston is $624,958, up 0.3% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $642,000.
How are the public schools in Reston?
Reston's 10 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $18,975 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Reston?
The average commute is 26 minutes, #859 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Reston?
Reston averages 55.7°F over the year, 75.1°F in summer and 36°F in winter, with 43.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Reston walkable?
Reston scores 13.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #310 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 Reston 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 Reston?
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 Reston?
Reston has 64,414 residents. The median resident of Reston is 40.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 72% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #37 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Reston compare with the rest of Virginia?
Reston ranks #1 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 75.8 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 61% above the Virginia median. Homes are 51% above the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Reston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Reston's population of 64,414 are Port Orange, FL (#920 overall), Muncie, IN (#1015 overall), North Little Rock, AR (#1250 overall), Bellevue, NE (#312 overall), and Burnsville, MN (#318 overall). Reston is #7.