What to know when moving to Fairfax, VA
TL;DR: Fairfax at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 66.5% hold a bachelor's degree and 42% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $139,885, making it a financially appealing area.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,242, which can be a stretch for some budgets.
- Commute:
- 3.8% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Plan for 32.3 inches of rain annually, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Fairfax is a community with a strong educational background, evident in its 66.5% bachelor's degree holder rate. The population of about 60,855 enjoys a relatively low poverty rate of 5.8%. However, with 42% of residents renting and a median gross rent of $2,242, housing costs can be a significant consideration for newcomers.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for budget-friendly rental options, as prices here are above average.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,242, making it essential to budget accordingly.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $700,700, reflecting the area's high property costs.
- With 66.5% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree, you will find a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate stands at 5.8%, indicating a relatively stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Virginia, crime rates have shown a positive trend in recent years. The state has a violent crime rate of 203.3 per 100,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 325.3. Property crime is at 1,346.3 per 100,000, also below the national average of 1,546.9.
- Violent crime: 203.3 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 15.2% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,346.3 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 22% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 43.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Virginia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Fairfax offers access to a range of educational institutions in the surrounding area. There are 21 postsecondary schools within reach, including notable institutions.
- George Mason University is a prominent local option.
- Other nearby institutions include Agora University and the American Massage & Bodywork Institute.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Fairfax experiences an average annual precipitation of 32.3 inches, spread across approximately 92 rainy days each year. Snow is minimal, averaging around 1.2 inches annually with about 7 snow days.
- Great Falls Park - Rating: 4.8 (13,642 reviews)
- Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts - Rating: 4.8 (4,897 reviews)
- Burke Lake Park - Rating: 4.7 (4,759 reviews)
- Bull Run Regional Park - Rating: 4.6 (3,751 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.