Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Stafford, VA
Considering a move to Stafford, VA? With around 97,000 residents, Stafford offers a family-friendly atmosphere with affordable living, a median home price of $470,000, and average rent of $2,000. The city boasts low violent crime rates (just 83 per 100k), well-rated schools, and a high rate of educational attainment. Residents enjoy a sunny climate, strong household incomes, and easy access to healthcare, making Stafford a standout choice for commuters and families alike.
Demographics - Stafford, VA
Demographics - Stafford, VA
Stafford is home to about 97,000 people, with a median age of 36.5 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White, with notable Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and 14% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city's moderate population density and diverse makeup make it welcoming for families and professionals.
Population:
97,000
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.0%
Black:
18.0%
Asian:
5.5%
Others:
13.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Stafford, VA?
Stafford's cost of living is moderately high, with a median home value of $470,000 and average rent around $2,000 per month. Housing costs are the biggest factor, but groceries, utilities, and transportation remain in line with or slightly above national averages. State income taxes range from 2% to 5.75%, which may impact household budgets.
Median House Value:
$470,000
Gross Rent:
$2,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
118.0
Grocery:
106.0
Housing:
125.0
Utilities:
99.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
102.0
Crime
Is Stafford, VA a safe place to live?
Stafford boasts low crime rates, with only 83 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,050 per 100,000. The chances of encountering violent crime are low, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. Overall, the city maintains a strong reputation for community safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
83
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,133
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,200
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Stafford, VA year-round?
Stafford experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows of 28°F and warm summers reaching up to 89°F. Residents enjoy about 58% sunny days each year and annual rainfall near 43 inches. The climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The area features strong household incomes, with a median of $121,500 and a low poverty rate of 5%. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and over 40% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average nearly 39 minutes, reflecting Stafford’s popularity among DC-area professionals.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$121,500
Family Income:
$134,000
Per Capita Income:
$44,000
Income Male:
$58,000
Income Female:
$46,500
Poverty Rate:
5.0%
Non English Speakers:
14.0%
Rent:
$2,000
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
38.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.8%
Bachelors or More:
41.5%
Education
How are the schools in Stafford, VA?
Stafford offers well-regarded public and private schools, including Stafford High School and Rockhill Elementary, both with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is easily accessible, with University of Mary Washington and Germanna Community College just a short drive away. The area’s commitment to education is reflected in its high graduation and degree attainment rates.
Public Schools
Name:
Stafford High School
Street:
63 Stafford Indians Ln
Phone:
540-371-7200
Students:
2,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
Rockhill Elementary School
Street:
50 Wood Dr
Phone:
540-658-6360
Students:
630
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Cross Academy
Street:
250 Stafford Lakes Pkwy
Phone:
540-286-1600
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
University of Mary Washington
City:
Fredericksburg
State:
VA
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
4,400
Name:
Germanna Community College
City:
Fredericksburg
State:
VA
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Stafford residents have access to quality healthcare, including Stafford Hospital and nearby Mary Washington Hospital, both offering emergency services. The area has about 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 92% of the population is covered by health insurance. Healthcare facilities and coverage make Stafford a reliable choice for families and retirees.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mary Washington Hospital
Address:
1001 Sam Perry Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone:
(540) 741-1100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Stafford Hospital
Address:
101 Hospital Center Blvd, Stafford, VA 22554
Phone:
(540) 741-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
76.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Stafford, VA?
The local housing market is robust, with a median home price of $470,000 and owner-occupancy at nearly 78%. Home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year, and rental options remain available with a vacancy rate of 4.4%. This market supports both buyers and renters seeking stable investment and community ties.
Median Home Price:
$470,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Stafford residents are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Garrisonville Road. The DMV provides essential vehicle and licensing services, with helpful resources available online or by phone. Newcomers will find registering vehicles and obtaining licenses straightforward in Stafford.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
874 Garrisonville Rd, Stafford, VA 22554
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.