Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Arlington, VA
Considering a move to Arlington, VA? With a population of 238,643, Arlington offers a vibrant urban lifestyle, top-rated schools, and quick commutes with an average time of 28.8 minutes. The city boasts a high median home price of $810,000 and average rents around $2,220, reflecting its desirable location near D.C. Safety is a standout, with low violent crime rates (137 per 100K), and residents enjoy a highly educated community and mild climate with 57% sunny days. Explore housing, schools, and more below to help plan your Arlington move.
Demographics - Arlington, VA
Demographics - Arlington, VA
Arlington is home to 238,643 residents and features a young, diverse population with a median age of 35.1 years. The city is densely populated and known for its multicultural community, with over 28% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its balanced gender ratio and varied ethnic composition contribute to a vibrant urban atmosphere.
Population:
238,643
Density:
9,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
28.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
62.5%
Black:
9.7%
Asian:
11.2%
Others:
16.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Arlington, VA?
Arlington's cost of living is notably higher than the national average, driven by a median home value of $810,000 and average rents of $2,220 per month. Residents can expect above-average expenses for housing and transportation, while utilities remain close to national norms. State income taxes range from 2.0% to 5.75%, reflecting Virginia’s tiered tax structure.
Median House Value:
$810,000
Gross Rent:
$2,220
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$970
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
151.2
Grocery:
123.5
Housing:
210.2
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
128.0
Health Care:
104.3
Miscellaneous:
117.6
Crime
Is Arlington, VA a safe place to live?
Arlington boasts a low crime rate for its size, with just 137 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 92. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety in most neighborhoods, making it appealing for families and professionals alike. The city’s overall crime index is well below many similarly sized urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
137
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,090
Crime Index:
1,227
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 730
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 92
Weather
What is the weather like in Arlington, VA year-round?
Arlington experiences four distinct seasons, offering mild winters with average lows around 28°F and warm summers peaking near 89°F. The area receives about 41.6 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine 57% of the year. Seasonal changes bring comfortable spring and fall temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
44°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Arlington residents are highly educated, with over 76% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and the median household income reaches $128,100. The community benefits from a low unemployment rate of 2.7% and an active public transit culture, with nearly 28% commuting by public transport. Its diverse and affluent neighborhoods offer a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Median Income:
$57,800
Household Income:
$128,100
Family Income:
$156,400
Per Capita Income:
$73,000
Income Male:
$83,900
Income Female:
$65,700
Poverty Rate:
7.7%
Non English Speakers:
28.2%
Rent:
$2,220
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
28.4%
Commute Time:
28.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.6%
Bachelors or More:
76.7%
Education
How are the schools in Arlington, VA?
Arlington is known for its excellent public schools, such as Yorktown High and Swanson Middle, as well as private and higher education options like Marymount University and George Mason University’s Arlington campus. The city’s schools offer favorable student-teacher ratios and a wide range of academic opportunities. Education is a strong draw for families and individuals alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Yorktown High School
Street:
5200 Yorktown Blvd
Phone:
703-228-5400
Students:
2,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Name:
Swanson Middle School
Street:
5800 N Washington Blvd
Phone:
703-228-5500
Students:
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8

Private Schools
Name:
Bishop O'Connell High School
Street:
6600 Little Falls Rd
Phone:
703-237-1400
Students:
1,200

Colleges
Name:
Marymount University
City:
Arlington
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,400
Name:
George Mason University - Arlington Campus
City:
Arlington
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Arlington is top-notch, with major medical centers like Virginia Hospital Center providing comprehensive services. The city offers strong physician availability (3.2 per 1,000 residents) and high health insurance coverage at 92.8%. Residents enjoy accessible and reliable healthcare options locally.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Virginia Hospital Center
Address:
1701 N George Mason Dr, Arlington, VA 22205
Phone:
(703) 558-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Inova Alexandria Hospital
Address:
4320 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304
Phone:
(703) 504-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Arlington, VA?
The Arlington housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $810,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $2,220. A home appreciation rate of 4.2% over the past year indicates a healthy, growing market. Both owner-occupied and rental options are available, with a relatively low foreclosure rate of 0.3%.
Median Home Price:
$810,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,220
Owner Occupied Rate:
42.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Arlington residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Richmond and comprehensive services available online. The DMV provides all necessary licensing, registration, and title services for new and current residents. Easy access to DMV resources helps streamline relocation and vehicle management needs.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2300 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.