countyscore
39.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 98Health 85.5Weather & Climate 68.7

County Report Card

About Alexandria city, Virginia

Urban Wealth Meets National Challenges

Alexandria city scores a 39.3 overall, landing well below the national median of 50.0. The city's high-income profile is offset by extreme costs and urban risk factors.

One of Virginia's Costliest Cities

At 39.3, Alexandria trails the Virginia state average of 50.9 by over 11 points. While it is a regional economic powerhouse, it ranks lower than many surrounding suburban counties on the composite index.

A Powerhouse of Wealth and Wellness

Alexandria boasts an Income Score of 98.0 and a Health Score of 85.5. The median household income sits at a robust $113,638, supporting an active, health-conscious urban population.

Extreme Costs and Limited Data

The city’s Cost Score is a near-bottom 0.9, with median home values hitting $696,800. Additionally, specific water quality data is currently unavailable, and safety metrics remain a challenge at 20.4.

Built for High-Income Urban Professionals

Alexandria suits wealthy professionals who prioritize career proximity and high-end amenities over affordability. The $2,031 median rent reflects a premium price for a vibrant, walkable lifestyle.

Score breakdown

Tax39Cost0.9Safety20.4Health85.5Schools47.9Income98Risk26.3WaterComing SoonWeather68.7
🏛39
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠0.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡26.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨16.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Alexandria city

Whether buying or refinancing in Alexandria city, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Alexandria city with Butte County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Butte County
California
Median income: $68,574
39.3
Hillsborough County
New Hampshire
Median income: $100,436
39.3
Onslow County
North Carolina
Median income: $64,568
39.3
Hocking County
Ohio
Median income: $61,366
39.3
Trumbull County
Ohio
Median income: $55,088
39.3
Marshall County
Oklahoma
Median income: $56,495
39.3
Williamsburg County
South Carolina
Median income: $43,471
39.3
Colorado County
Texas
Median income: $68,554
39.3

Nearby counties

Arlington County
Virginia
44.8
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
41.2
Falls Church city
Virginia
51.8
Fairfax County
Virginia
44.4
Prince George's County
Maryland
32.5
Fairfax city
Virginia
36.5
Montgomery County
Maryland
46.9
Manassas Park city
Virginia
36.6

Deep Dives

Alexandria city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Alexandria city

via TaxByCounty

Alexandria has among the nation's highest property taxes

At 0.987%, Alexandria's effective property tax rate ranks in the top 5% of all U.S. counties, far exceeding the national median of 0.71%. The median annual tax of $6,879 is more than 2.5 times the national median of $2,690, driven by both high rates and premium property values near $697,000.

Alexandria leads Virginia in property tax burden

Alexandria's 0.987% effective rate is the highest of any Virginia jurisdiction, 47% above the state average of 0.671%. At $6,879 in median annual taxes, Alexandria residents pay 3.5 times the state median, reflecting significant investment in urban services and infrastructure.

Alexandria's taxes far exceed Northern Virginia peers

Even compared to neighboring Arlington County (0.899%), Alexandria carries the steeper tax burden, though Arlington's higher property values ($864,800 median) push individual bills higher. Both jurisdictions represent the region's premium tax-and-service model.

The typical Alexandria home generates nearly $7,000 in taxes

A median-value home at $696,800 generates approximately $6,879 in annual property taxes at Alexandria's 0.987% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay $6,848, while those without mortgages pay $6,993.

Alexandria homeowners can challenge high assessments

With homes assessed near $697,000, even a 5% overassessment means hundreds in unnecessary annual taxes. Alexandria's tax assessment appeal process is available to residents who believe their properties are valued above market.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Alexandria city

via CostByCounty

Alexandria's rents strain even high-income households

Alexandria residents spend 21.4% of household income on rent—significantly higher than the national average of 18.6%—even with a median household income of $113,638, well above the U.S. median of $74,755. This rare combination of very high incomes and very high rents defines the city's premium market.

Virginia's second-priciest housing market overall

Alexandria's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% ranks among Virginia's highest, exceeding the state average of 18.6% despite top-tier incomes. The median gross rent of $2,031 is 78% above the state median, reflecting the city's proximity to Washington, D.C., and federal employment.

Pricier than all rural and suburban Virginia

Alexandria's $2,031 median rent dwarfs every other county surveyed, exceeding nearby Arlington ($2,275 in ownership costs but lower rent) and Albemarle ($1,623) by wide margins. The city's $696,800 median home value is similarly among Virginia's highest.

Even affluent renters face steep housing burden

Renters pay $2,031 monthly while homeowners pay $2,635—the highest owner costs in this dataset—on a $113,638 median household income. Housing together consumes roughly one-fifth of household income, a notable burden even for this high-earning city.

Alexandria demands six-figure household budgets

If your household income exceeds $110,000 and you prioritize urban walkability and federal job access, Alexandria's premium rents become manageable. For others, nearby Fairfax or Arlington suburbs offer lower rents while maintaining regional employment access.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alexandria city

via IncomeByCounty

Alexandria's incomes rank among America's highest

Alexandria's median household income of $113,638 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by about 52%, positioning the city in the top income tier across the country. Households here earn roughly $38,883 more annually than the typical American family.

Virginia's second-richest locality

Alexandria ranks among Virginia's highest-income cities and counties, with median household income 52% above the state average of $74,957. The city's per capita income of $77,935 nearly doubles Virginia's state average of $39,155.

Alexandria leads the Northern Virginia income corridor

Alexandria's $113,638 median income is surpassed only by nearby Arlington County ($140,160) in the immediate region. This pair of wealthy jurisdictions reflects the economic power of the Washington, D.C. metro area and federal employment concentration.

High income essential for pricey housing market

Alexandria's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% shows housing consumes a larger share of income than the national standard, despite strong earnings. The median home value of $696,800 demands the city's premium incomes to maintain affordability.

Invest aggressively while in Alexandria's high-earning window

Alexandria's above-average incomes create a powerful opportunity to invest beyond retirement accounts and build generational wealth. Consider working with a wealth advisor on diversified portfolios, real estate investments, and tax strategies tailored to high earners in the D.C. region.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Alexandria city

via CrimeByCounty

Alexandria City Beats National Crime Rates

Alexandria city holds a safety score of 96.7, reflecting a total crime rate of 2,063.6 per 100K. This is notably safer than the national average of 2,385.5.

City Safety in a State Context

Alexandria's safety score of 96.7 is slightly lower than the Virginia average of 97.3. Because only one agency reports data here, these figures should be interpreted with some caution.

Competitive Safety Among Urban Peers

Alexandria's total crime rate of 2,063.6 is lower than neighboring Arlington's 2,223.1. It maintains a safer profile than many other high-density cities in the Commonwealth.

Violent Crime Stays Low

Violent crime in Alexandria is just 181.5 per 100K, significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up 1,882.1 of the total incidents reported per 100K people.

Smart Security for City Living

With property crime being the primary concern, urban residents should prioritize secure locks and package theft prevention. Community awareness remains a key tool for city-wide safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Alexandria city

via HealthByCounty

Alexandria leads on life expectancy

Alexandria residents live to an average age of 82.2 years—nearly 3 years above the U.S. average of 79.3 years. Only 12.2% report poor or fair health, well below the 17% national rate, indicating strong overall population health.

Virginia's top-ranked city for health

At 82.2 years, Alexandria's life expectancy is the highest among Virginia jurisdictions profiled here, exceeding the state average of 75.1 years by 7.1 years. The city's 12.2% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's lowest, reflecting excellent health outcomes.

Alexandria outperforms surrounding region

Alexandria residents live longer than peers in nearby Arlington (83.9 years, marginally less) and substantially longer than rural Virginia counties like Accomack (73.8 years). The city's dense concentration of mental health providers (494 per 100K) far exceeds regional averages.

Urban density supports access

Alexandria offers 80 primary care providers and 494 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, delivering strong urban healthcare infrastructure. At 8.1%, the uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 7.9%, though absolute numbers remain low among highly resourced urban populations.

Keep coverage current and complete

About 1 in 12 Alexandria residents lack insurance. Visit dc.gov/service/health-insurance or call 211 to connect with Medicaid, marketplace coverage, or employer-based plans suited to your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Alexandria city

via SchoolsByCounty

Urban Education in Alexandria City

Alexandria city supports 20 public schools, featuring a high concentration of 14 elementary schools to serve its 16,040 students. The system is compact and urban, managed primarily through two distinct districts.

High Investment and Performance Challenges

Alexandria invests heavily in its students with a per-pupil expenditure of $10,454, surpassing the Virginia average of $7,941. Despite this funding, the 76% graduation rate lags behind the state average of 89% and the national average of 87%.

Spotlight on Alexandria City Public Schools

Alexandria City Public Schools is the primary district, enrolling 16,040 students across 19 active schools. No charter schools exist within the city, but the district does maintain an alternative school and several diverse specialized programs.

Dynamic Urban Campus Life

All schools are located in city settings, where the average school size reaches a substantial 891 students. Alexandria City High School is exceptionally large with 4,531 students, while Mount Vernon Elementary offers a smaller environment for younger learners.

Living Near Alexandria's Schools

Prospective homeowners in Alexandria often prioritize walkability to these urban campuses and specialized school programs. Researching individual school zones is a vital step for families planning to buy in this high-investment city.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Alexandria city

via RiskByCounty

Alexandria's urban risk is above average

Alexandria's composite risk score of 73.70 ranks as relatively low but remains more than double Virginia's state average of 33.27. Urban density and Potomac River proximity drive exposure to flood (81.84), hurricane (79.14), and earthquake (79.96) hazards.

Major urban center faces significant exposure

Alexandria ranks among Virginia's more hazard-exposed jurisdictions despite its 'relatively low' rating, reflecting the urban vulnerability of this high-density area. The city's position on tidal waterways elevates flood and hurricane risk compared to most inland counties.

Urban exposure higher than suburban peers

Alexandria's 73.70 score exceeds nearby Arlington County (66.79) and significantly surpasses rural counties like Appomattox (5.09). Urban waterfront location and concentrated infrastructure create compounded risk compared to surrounding jurisdictions.

Flooding and earthquakes pose main threats

Alexandria's flood risk (81.84) and earthquake risk (79.96) represent primary concerns, while hurricane risk (79.14) also merits attention given the city's tidal position. Wildfire risk (5.66) remains minimal for this urban environment.

Waterfront protection and seismic readiness critical

Flood insurance is essential given the city's proximity to the Potomac River and tidal surge exposure. Retrofit older buildings for seismic safety and ensure comprehensive homeowners coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Alexandria city

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Urban Soil Foundations

Alexandria's soil reports a pH of 5.08, making it more acidic than the state average of 5.23 and the national median of 6.5. The overall soil score of 16.3 is among the lowest in the state, reflecting the challenges of urban land use and natural soil weathering. Despite these numbers, the soil remains a vital part of the city's green infrastructure.

Sandy Texture with Silt Accents

The soil is comprised of 51.7% sand, 31.2% silt, and 17.1% clay. This majority-sand composition provides decent aeration and helps prevent the heavy compaction often found in urban centers. The presence of 17.1% clay provides enough structure to hold onto essential minerals for landscaping.

Low Organic Matter in City Soil

Organic matter is sparse at 1.21%, which is significantly lower than the state average of 2.90% and the national 2.0% benchmark. Interestingly, the available water capacity is quite high at 0.149 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.143. This means that while the soil lacks natural nutrients, it can hold onto applied water very effectively.

Manageable Drainage for Urban Lots

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the over 50% sand content suggests that rainwater infiltrates the ground relatively quickly. The clay content provides a buffer that prevents the soil from becoming a pure sieve, allowing for some moisture retention in garden beds. Homeowners should focus on adding organic amendments to improve the soil's natural biology.

Hardy Urban Greens in Zone 8a

Alexandria's 8a hardiness zone allows for a wide range of heat-tolerant plants and a long growing season. Native perennials and ornamental grasses thrive in these sandy, high-retention soils when supplemented with compost. Container gardening or raised beds are great ways to bypass the low natural organic matter found in the city.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Alexandria city

via LawnByCounty

Urban Heat Challenges Alexandria Lawns

Alexandria city scores a 42.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the more challenging places in Virginia to keep a lawn alive. In hardiness zone 8a, the urban environment creates a microclimate that is tougher to manage than the state average of 55.4.

Surviving Intense Urban Summer Heat

The city endures 40 extreme heat days annually, nearly double the count of many rural Virginia counties. While 41.8 inches of rain falls each year, the high temperatures often evaporate moisture before it can benefit your turf.

Managing High Sand and High Acidity

Soil here is 51.7% sand, which helps with drainage in a city setting but demands more frequent watering. The pH level of 5.08 is quite low, meaning you will likely need substantial lime additions to reach a healthy growing environment.

Water Conservation During Dry Months

With 31 weeks spent in drought over the last year, Alexandria residents face frequent watering restrictions. Since 100% of the city is currently abnormally dry, utilizing rain barrels and drought-resistant cultivars is highly recommended.

Choosing Resilient Grass Varieties

Hybrid Bermudagrass or Zoysia are excellent choices for zone 8a to withstand Alexandria's 40 days of extreme heat. These varieties should be established in late spring once the ground warms to ensure successful rooting.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alexandria city's county score?
Alexandria city, Virginia has a composite county score of 39.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Alexandria city rank among counties in Virginia?
Alexandria city ranks #113 among all counties in Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Alexandria city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Alexandria city is $6,879, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Alexandria city a tax score of 39/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alexandria city?
The median household income in Alexandria city, Virginia is $113,638 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alexandria city earns an income score of 98/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alexandria city, Virginia a good place to live?
Alexandria city scores 39.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #113 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Alexandria city is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Alexandria city with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.