Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gainesville, VA
Considering Gainesville, VA for your next move? With a population of 17,287, Gainesville boasts a strong sense of community, top-tier schools, and a highly educated population—almost 60% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home price is $610,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom sits at $2,125, reflecting a higher cost of living alongside substantial household incomes. Gainesville enjoys low crime rates, over 58% sunny days per year, and easy access to healthcare and outdoor amenities. Expect a safe, family-friendly environment with convenient access to Washington, DC and the wider Northern Virginia region.
Demographics - Gainesville, VA
Demographics - Gainesville, VA
Gainesville, VA is home to 17,287 residents with a median age of just over 40, offering a balanced mix of families and professionals. The community is diverse, with more than 13% Asian and 10% Black residents, and nearly 15% speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and nearly equal gender distribution foster a welcoming, suburban atmosphere.
Population:
17,287
Density:
2,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.4%
Black:
10.1%
Asian:
13.5%
Others:
13.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gainesville, VA?
Living in Gainesville comes with a higher cost of living, reflected in a median home price of $610,000 and average rents around $2,125 for a two-bedroom. The cost of living index is 36% above the national average, mainly due to housing, while utilities and healthcare remain reasonably priced. Residents benefit from Virginia’s moderate state tax rates and strong local incomes.
Median House Value:
$610,000
Gross Rent:
$2,125
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,750
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
136.0
Grocery:
109.0
Housing:
159.0
Utilities:
98.5
Transportation:
124.0
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Gainesville, VA a safe place to live?
Gainesville boasts a notably low crime rate, with just 65 violent crimes and 970 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is only about 1 in 1,500, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Property crime rates are similarly low, contributing to the city's secure, community-oriented feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
970
Crime Index:
1,035
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,538
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 103
Weather
What is the weather like in Gainesville, VA year-round?
The city experiences four distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers peaking near 87°F and winters dipping to around 27°F. Gainesville receives about 42 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall offer mild, comfortable weather perfect for exploring local parks and neighborhoods.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Gainesville residents enjoy strong household incomes, with a median of $152,400 and a low poverty rate of under 3%. The community is highly educated, with over 59% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and unemployment stands at a low 2.7%. Most residents commute about 40 minutes, with public transportation usage remaining modest.
Median Income:
$71,500
Household Income:
$152,400
Family Income:
$168,200
Per Capita Income:
$57,100
Income Male:
$79,100
Income Female:
$67,500
Poverty Rate:
2.8%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$2,125
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
40.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.2%
Bachelors or More:
59.1%
Education
How are the schools in Gainesville, VA?
Gainesville offers strong educational options, including high-performing public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios around 15–16 to 1. Residents have convenient access to major colleges like Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University, both within a short drive. The area's commitment to education supports lifelong learning for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Gainesville Middle School
Street:
8001 Limestone Dr
Phone:
703-753-2997
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Piney Branch Elementary School
Street:
8301 Linton Hall Rd
Phone:
703-753-4294
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Regina Coeli Academy
Street:
9400 Thornton Dr
Phone:
703-754-2350
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Northern Virginia Community College - Manassas
City:
Manassas
State:
VA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
10,800
Name:
George Mason University
City:
Fairfax
State:
VA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
38,200
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Gainesville is excellent, with major hospitals like Novant Health and Inova Fair Oaks nearby and nearly 3 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 95% of locals have health insurance coverage, contributing to the community’s overall well-being. Emergency services and general care facilities are easily accessible for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Novant Health UVA Health System Haymarket Medical Center
Address:
15225 Heathcote Blvd, Haymarket, VA 20169
Phone:
(571) 284-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital
Address:
3600 Joseph Siewick Dr, Fairfax, VA 22033
Phone:
(703) 391-3600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.3%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gainesville, VA?
The housing market is robust, with a median home price of $610,000 and home values appreciating by nearly 5% in the past year. A high owner-occupancy rate of over 80% reflects strong community stability, while rental vacancies remain low at just 3.1%. Both buyers and renters benefit from a healthy, competitive real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$610,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,125
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Gainesville residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Woodbridge. The DMV provides a full range of vehicle registration, licensing, and identification services both in-person and online. Helpful staff and accessible services make it easy to manage transportation needs in the region.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
19600 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191
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.