What to know when moving to Lorton, VA
Lorton at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 57.7% hold a bachelor's degree and only 23.8% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $140,817, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,457, which may be steep for some.
- Commute:
- Only 4.6% of residents use public transit, suggesting it's a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $2,457/month in rent to find a suitable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lorton has a population of 36,523 with a strong educational background, as highlighted by the 57.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The area has a relatively low poverty rate of 6.5%, contributing to a community that is likely to be engaged and well-resourced. However, with only 23.8% of residents renting, it leans towards homeownership, which can affect rental availability and prices.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable rent, as the median gross rent is $2,457.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- The median gross rent is $2,457, which reflects the high demand in the area.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $600,800, indicating a market that favors buyers with substantial income.
- 57.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, suggesting a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is a low 6.5%, contributing to economic stability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Virginia, crime rates are notably lower than the national average. The violent crime rate stands at 203.3 incidents per 100,000 people, which is 37.5% lower than the national average. Property crime is also below the national rate at 1,346.3 incidents per 100,000, showing a 13% reduction compared to national figures.
- Violent crime: 203.3 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3 per 100,000.
- Property crime: 1,346.3 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9 per 100,000.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped 43.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Virginia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Lorton has access to a variety of higher education institutions in the surrounding area, with a total of nine schools and six of them providing College Scorecard data. Notable institutions include George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, both of which are within commuting distance.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 9
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 6
- Nearby options include George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Fairfax County experiences an average annual precipitation of 36.2 inches, with approximately 125 rainy days each year. This means residents should be prepared for wet weather, especially in the spring, which sees about 15.2 inches of rain.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Burke Lake Park - 4.7 stars (4,759 reviews)
- Leesylvania State Park - 4.6 stars (3,198 reviews)
- Prince William Forest Park - 4.7 stars (2,380 reviews)
- National Museum of the United States Army - 4.8 stars (2,040 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.