VirginiaPop. 456,349Big cities
Is Virginia Beach a Good Place to Live? Virginia Beach, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Virginia Beach ranks #254 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #4 of 53 big cities and #8 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (100 per 100,000, #2 of 50) and low poverty (8.6%, #4 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Virginia Beach by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Virginia Beach'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 Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach's cost of living index is 97.9, 2% below the US level of 100 and #572 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,714/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $427,730, 3% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Virginia Beach | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 97.9#572 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $427,730#688 of 1,187 | $414,662 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,086/mo#751 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $382,500#746 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,714/mo#890 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.1x#604 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 22.1%#689 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Virginia Beach 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. Virginia Beach is in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Virginia Beach safe?
Virginia Beach recorded 100 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% below the US rate of 328 and 52% below Virginia's 206. That ranks #129 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #2 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Virginia Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 1,485 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Virginia Beach | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 100#129 of 1,085 | 206 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,485#469 of 1,085 | 1,354 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Virginia Beach?
The median household in Virginia Beach earns $92,968, 12% above the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Virginia Beach | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $92,968#427 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 8.6%#376 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Virginia Beach?
The median resident of Virginia Beach is 37.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 40.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #445 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Virginia Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 37.9 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 40.9%#445 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 65.1% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Virginia Beach's schools and health?
Virginia Beach's 82 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $14,888 spent per pupil. 36.5% of adults are obese and 11.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Virginia Beach | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 91%#291 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $14,888#600 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 36.5%#912 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 11.8%#759 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 16.7%#563 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.3%#414 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 64,986 students are enrolled in Virginia Beach's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Virginia Beach?
The average commute in Virginia Beach is 23.4 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 0.8% of workers take transit and 14.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Virginia Beach scores 10.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #624 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.8°F and winters 42.8°F, with 46.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Virginia Beach | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 23.4 min#634 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 74% | 68.6% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.8% | 3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.6% | 2.1% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.3% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 14.3% | 15.8% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 10.7#624 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 50.3 | 31.6 | 3.2 |
| Feb | 52.6 | 33.2 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 58.6 | 38.9 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 68.6 | 47.7 | 3.4 |
| May | 75.5 | 56.3 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 83.3 | 65.5 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 87.4 | 70.3 | 5.8 |
| Aug | 85.4 | 69.1 | 5.1 |
| Sep | 79.9 | 64 | 4.6 |
| Oct | 71.2 | 52.7 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 61.3 | 41.5 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 54 | 35.4 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oceana Nas.
| Measure | Virginia Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 59.8°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 76.8°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 42.8°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 46.6 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oceana Nas.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach city's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Virginia Beach city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
| Measure | Virginia Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.07%#26 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Virginia Beach city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Virginia Beach city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.031% | 83% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0028% | 65% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0028% | 50% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0032% | 29% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.017% | 0% 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 Virginia Beach compare with similar-size cities?
Virginia Beach is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 456,349.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #254 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 | 23.4 min |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #481 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 | 26.5 min |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #588 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 | 19.6 min |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #929 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 | 22.7 min |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #335 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 | 23 min |
| Miami, FLPop. 459,745 | #681 | 55.3 | $62,462 | $1,758/mo | 358 | 27.3 min |
| Long Beach, CAPop. 455,548 | #1175 | 45.8 | $87,430 | $1,871/mo | 621 | 29.9 min |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #759 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 | 22 min |
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #1127 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 | 18.9 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 Virginia Beach compare with the rest of Virginia?
Virginia Beach ranks #8 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 63.1 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 1% above the Virginia median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% 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 Virginia Beach's score calculated?
Virginia Beach scores 63.1 out of 100, #254 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 Virginia Beach. Similar-size median 53.8.
65.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Virginia Beach's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
89.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Virginia Beach. Similar-size median 54.8.
51.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Virginia Beach's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
63.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Virginia Beach's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
62.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Virginia Beach. Similar-size median 47.2.
64.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Virginia Beach. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Virginia Beach. Similar-size median 53.7.
50.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Virginia Beach's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
51.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
85.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Virginia Beach's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
Is Virginia Beach, VA a good place to live?
Virginia Beach ranks #254 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #4 of 53 big cities and #8 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (100 per 100,000, #2 of 50) and low poverty (8.6%, #4 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach's cost of living index is 97.9, 2% below the US level of 100 and #572 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,714/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $427,730, 3% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
What is the crime rate in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach recorded 100 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% below the US rate of 328 and 52% below Virginia's 206. That ranks #129 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #2 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Virginia Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 1,485 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Virginia Beach?
The median household in Virginia Beach earns $92,968, 12% above the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Virginia Beach?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,714/mo (Census), #890 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,086/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Virginia Beach?
The typical home value in Virginia Beach is $427,730, up 3.3% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $382,500.
How are the public schools in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach's 82 public schools graduate 91% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 15.1 students per teacher and $14,888 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Virginia Beach?
The average commute is 23.4 minutes, #634 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach averages 59.8°F over the year, 76.8°F in summer and 42.8°F in winter, with 46.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Virginia Beach walkable?
Virginia Beach scores 10.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #624 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 Virginia Beach at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Virginia Beach city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 99% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach city's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach has 456,349 residents. The median resident of Virginia Beach is 37.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 40.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #445 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Virginia Beach compare with the rest of Virginia?
Virginia Beach ranks #8 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 63.1 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 1% above the Virginia median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Virginia Beach?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Virginia Beach's population of 456,349 are Atlanta, GA (#481 overall), Omaha, NE (#588 overall), Colorado Springs, CO (#929 overall), Raleigh, NC (#335 overall), and Miami, FL (#681 overall). Virginia Beach is #254.