What to know when moving to Stafford, VA
TL;DR: Stafford at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 45.4% hold a bachelor's degree and only 19.8% of residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $148,268, significantly higher than many areas.
- The Reality Check:
- Median gross rent is $2,000, which may be steep for some.
- Commute:
- Only 1.9% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 114 rainy days a year, so invest in good rain gear.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Stafford has a population of 64,605, with a median household income of $148,268. The area is characterized by a high educational attainment, with 45.4% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The housing market reflects this affluence, with a median gross rent of $2,000 and a median owner-occupied home value of $482,600. With only 19.8% of residents renting, the community leans towards homeownership.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing options, given the median rent and home values.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,000, which means budgeting carefully is essential.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $482,600, indicating a strong real estate market.
- With a poverty rate of just 3.5%, the community is economically stable.
- Renter percentage is low at 19.8%, reflecting a preference for homeownership.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Virginia has a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages, showing trends of improvement in recent years.
- Violent crime: 203.3 per 100k, which is 37.5% lower than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1346.3 per 100k, which is 13% lower than the national average of 1546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 43.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Virginia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Stafford has access to nearby educational institutions, enriching the community's educational landscape.
- Postsecondary institutions: 2
- With College Scorecard data: 1
- Nearby options include Strayer University-Fredericksburg Campus and the University of Mary Washington.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Stafford County experiences an annual precipitation of 41.5 inches, with 114 rainy days each year. The area is also relatively mild in terms of snowfall, averaging just 1.1 inches annually over about 11 days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- National Museum of the Marine Corps (4.9 stars, 8,177 reviews)
- Leesylvania State Park (4.6 stars, 3,198 reviews)
- Central Park (4.3 stars, 8,480 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.