Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Washington, DC
Considering a move to Washington, DC? As the nation’s capital with a population of over 712,000, DC offers a vibrant, diverse community and a high educational attainment rate—over 61% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home price is $675,000, with rents averaging $2,675, and cost of living is well above the national average. DC boasts robust public transport options, a strong job market, and renowned schools and healthcare, but property and violent crime rates are higher than average. With four distinct seasons, 58% sunny days, and a lively urban atmosphere, DC is ideal for those seeking cultural richness and city living.
Demographics - Washington, DC
Demographics - Washington, DC
Washington, DC is a densely populated city with over 712,000 residents and a median age of 34.1, reflecting a youthful and vibrant community. The population is notably diverse, with nearly equal proportions of Black and White residents and over 16% of people speaking a language other than English at home. This multicultural environment fosters a dynamic urban lifestyle for newcomers and long-time residents alike.
Population:
712,816
Density:
11,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.1
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
41.3%
Black:
44.1%
Asian:
4.5%
Others:
10.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Washington, DC?
Living in Washington, DC comes with a high cost of living, as indicated by a cost of living index of 158.2 and a median home price of $675,000. Residents can expect above-average expenses for housing, groceries, and transportation, with typical monthly rents around $2,675. While utilities and healthcare are closer to national averages, state taxes and overall costs make DC one of the pricier U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$675,000
Gross Rent:
$2,675
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$965
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
158.2
Grocery:
117.5
Housing:
230.1
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
137.2
Health Care:
101.6
Miscellaneous:
114.0
Crime
Is Washington, DC a safe place to live?
Washington, DC experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 995 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 3,750 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 100 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, which is notably higher than in many U.S. cities. Those moving to DC should consider neighborhood safety when choosing where to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
995
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,750
Crime Index:
4,745
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 100
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 27
Weather
What is the weather like in Washington, DC year-round?
DC enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging highs in the mid-40s, warm summers reaching up to 88°F, and comfortable spring and fall temperatures. The city experiences about 58% sunny days annually and receives nearly 40 inches of rainfall. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Residents of Washington, DC benefit from a diverse and well-educated community, with over 61% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and a median household income of $93,500. Public transportation is widely used, and the average commute time is about 31 minutes, reflecting the city’s robust transit options. However, the poverty rate stands at 16.5%, indicating some economic disparity within neighborhoods.
Median Income:
$58,600
Household Income:
$93,500
Family Income:
$117,200
Per Capita Income:
$58,600
Income Male:
$70,500
Income Female:
$57,200
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
16.5%
Rent:
$2,675
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
34.5%
Commute Time:
30.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.7%
Bachelors or More:
61.5%
Education
How are the schools in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC is home to highly regarded public and private schools, as well as prestigious universities such as Georgetown University and George Washington University. The city’s public schools have favorable student-teacher ratios and serve a diverse student body. DC’s strong educational offerings make it an attractive destination for families and students alike.
Public Schools
Name:
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
Street:
1600 9th St NW
Phone:
202-671-6320
Students:
517
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
School Without Walls High School
Street:
2130 G St NW
Phone:
202-645-9690
Students:
594
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Private Schools
Name:
Sidwell Friends School
Street:
3825 Wisconsin Ave NW
Phone:
202-537-8100
Students:
1,155
Colleges
Name:
Georgetown University
City:
Washington
State:
DC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
19,000
Name:
George Washington University
City:
Washington
State:
DC
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
28,000
Healthcare
Washington, DC offers excellent healthcare access with major hospitals like MedStar Washington Hospital Center and George Washington University Hospital, and a high physician-to-resident ratio of 5.2 per 1,000. Over 94% of residents have health insurance coverage, ensuring broad access to medical services. The city’s medical infrastructure makes it a strong choice for those prioritizing healthcare quality.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Address:
110 Irving St NW, Washington, DC 20010
Phone:
(202) 877-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
George Washington University Hospital
Address:
900 23rd St NW, Washington, DC 20037
Phone:
(202) 715-4000
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
5.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.1%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Washington, DC?
DC's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $675,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom around $2,675. Homeownership rates are relatively low at 41.3%, reflecting the city's large rental market. Property values continue to appreciate modestly, while new construction and foreclosure rates remain low.
Median Home Price:
$675,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,675
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
The DC Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 95 M St SW, provides essential services like licensing and vehicle registration for city residents. The DMV offers convenient access to information and appointment scheduling through its website. Newcomers can expect efficient service for all driving and vehicle needs.
State:
District of Columbia
Department:
DC Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
95 M St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone:
(202) 737-4404
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.