CountyScore

Fairfax County

Virginia · VA

#133 in Virginia
55.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County reflects national affluence paradox

Fairfax County's composite score of 51.3 barely edges the national median of 50.0, despite boasting the second-highest median income ($150,113) among these counties. The low score reveals how expensive housing can offset income advantages, creating an overall livability ceiling.

Significantly underperforms Virginia's average

Fairfax County scores 51.3 against Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it 27% below the commonwealth standard despite being the state's most populous and wealthiest county. High housing costs drag down the overall livability profile despite unmatched income levels.

Unmatched income and employment ecosystem

Fairfax County leads with an income score of 81.3 and median household income of $150,113, supported by the nation's largest concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, and tech companies. This creates unparalleled career advancement and earning potential.

Housing costs limit affordability despite high incomes

The cost score of just 26.9 reflects median rent of $2,230/month and home values of $699,700—among the nation's highest. Even affluent households spend 30%+ of income on housing, and young professionals struggle with entry-level purchasing.

Essential hub for federal and tech careers

Fairfax County suits established dual-income families and mid-to-senior professionals earning $150,000+ who view housing premium as investment in career ecosystem access. It's not livable for average earners but mandatory for federal workers and tech sector advancement.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax73.8Cost26.9SafetyComing SoonHealth84.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome81.3Risk5.3WaterComing Soon
🏛73.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼81.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤84.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Fairfax County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Solano County
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55.7
Median income: $99,994
Naugatuck Valley Planning Region
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55.8
Median income: $86,365
McKinley County
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55.6
Median income: $44,496
Cattaraugus County
New York
55.6
Median income: $58,248
Ellis County
Texas
55.6
Median income: $95,898

Deep Dives

Fairfax County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fairfax County

via TaxByCounty

Fairfax County ranks among nation's highest

Fairfax County's effective tax rate of 1.011% exceeds the national median of 0.92%, placing it in roughly the 65th percentile nationally. The median tax of $7,072 is more than 2.6 times the national median of $2,690, reflecting both an elevated rate and home values of $699,700—nearly 2.5 times the national average.

Highest rate in Virginia

Fairfax County's 1.011% rate is Virginia's highest among measured jurisdictions, exceeding the state average of 0.671% by 50%. The median tax of $7,072 is nearly 3.6 times the state median of $1,960, making Fairfax County significantly more expensive than most of Virginia.

Pricier than nearby Fairfax city

Fairfax County's 1.011% rate exceeds Fairfax city's 0.944%, though home values are similar (county: $699,700 vs. city: $677,400). Falls Church city remains the region's most expensive option at 0.995% and a median home value of $1,005,400.

What a typical home costs in taxes

A median-priced home worth $699,700 in Fairfax County carries an annual tax bill of roughly $7,072. That translates to about $589 per month—more than 14 times the annual tax burden of a Dickenson County homeowner.

Homeowners can challenge assessments

In high-value Fairfax County, assessment errors compound quickly—even a 5% overvaluation means hundreds in excess taxes annually. Homeowners should review their assessments and file appeals at no cost if their property is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fairfax County

via CostByCounty

Fairfax County: wealth conquers housing costs

Fairfax County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% beats the national average of 18.6%, an impressive achievement given its $2,230 median rent—nearly 3x the nation's typical cost. Median household income of $150,113 vastly exceeds the national average of $74,755, allowing residents to absorb premium housing prices while maintaining favorable affordability ratios. This is the surest sign that high incomes, not low costs, determine housing comfort.

Virginia's wealthiest, most efficient market

Fairfax County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio matches Virginia's state average despite charging $2,230 rent—the state's highest. The county's median income of $150,113 far surpasses any other Virginia jurisdiction, creating a unique market where premium prices feel accessible. Fairfax County represents Virginia's economic pinnacle.

Fairfax County leads on income, not savings

Fairfax County's $150,113 median income outpaces even Fairfax city ($132,774) and Falls Church ($154,734), positioning it firmly in Northern Virginia's elite tier. Its $2,230 rent and $699,700 median home value are second only to Falls Church among this group. Despite highest absolute costs, Fairfax County's 17.8% ratio reflects its outsized earning power.

Housing consumes minimal income share

Fairfax County renters spend $2,230 monthly on $150,113 annual income—just 17.8% of gross earnings, leaving $12,341 monthly for all other expenses. Homeowners allocate $2,636 monthly to median-value homes of $699,700, consuming 21.1% of income. Both housing options here remain comfortably efficient for this high-earning market.

Fairfax County for Northern Virginia professionals

Fairfax County's $2,230 rents and $700k homes demand substantial income, but for families earning $150k+, the ratio efficiency is unmatched. The county's excellent schools, diverse job market, and suburban infrastructure make it Virginia's default destination for high-earning relocators. Those earning significantly less should explore inner-ring alternatives or compromise on location within the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fairfax County

via IncomeByCounty

Fairfax County ranks among America's wealthiest

Fairfax County's median household income of $150,113 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 101%. This commanding lead places Fairfax County among the most affluent counties nationwide.

Fairfax County dominates Virginia's income rankings

Fairfax County's $150,113 median household income runs more than twice Virginia's state average of $74,957. Per capita income of $69,971 also tops the state average of $39,155 by 79%.

Fairfax County outearns all nearby jurisdictions

Fairfax County's $150,113 median income far exceeds Fairfax city ($132,774), Dinwiddie ($83,898), and all other surrounding areas. Only Falls Church city ($154,734) comes close in the regional income hierarchy.

Exceptional earnings support premium real estate costs

Fairfax County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio shows housing absorbs a reasonable share despite median home values reaching $699,700. High household incomes enable residents to invest substantially while maintaining homeownership.

Diversify wealth across multiple asset classes

Fairfax County residents' substantial incomes enable aggressive diversification into stocks, bonds, real estate, and business ventures. Work with a comprehensive financial advisor to coordinate tax strategies, estate planning, and multi-generational wealth transfer.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Fairfax County

via HealthByCounty

National health outcomes leader

Fairfax County residents average 84.5 years—a remarkable 8.1 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 11.6% report poor or fair health, among the nation's lowest, demonstrating sustained investment in preventive care and health equity.

Virginia's healthiest county by far

Fairfax County's 84.5-year life expectancy is 9.4 years above Virginia's 75.1-year average, making it the state's clear health leader. The county's 11.6% poor/fair health rate is less than one-third the statewide average, reflecting exceptional health infrastructure and community resources.

Dramatically outperforms region

Fairfax County's 84.5-year life expectancy far exceeds nearby Falls Church (78.3 years) and Fairfax city (76.1 years), and is more than 16 years above Emporia city (66.8 years). The county's 11.6% poor/fair health rate demonstrates sustained health advantages across a diverse population.

Robust provider network serves diverse population

Fairfax County has 111 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 275 mental health providers per 100,000—both at or above state benchmarks. At 7.6% uninsured, the county achieves one of Virginia's highest coverage rates, enabling comprehensive care access.

Protect your outstanding health status

While Fairfax County leads Virginia in health outcomes, maintaining insurance coverage is essential for continued wellness and emergency protection. Review your current coverage through Virginia's health marketplace to ensure uninterrupted access to the exceptional care that defines the county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fairfax County

via RiskByCounty

Fairfax County faces substantial risk

Fairfax's composite risk score of 94.66 places it in the relatively high category, nearly three times the national average. The county scores exceptionally high across flood (97.01), earthquake (92.81), and hurricane (93.03) risks, indicating broad vulnerability to multiple hazard types.

Virginia's most at-risk county

Fairfax's score of 94.66 vastly exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it the commonwealth's single most disaster-prone large jurisdiction. This elevated risk reflects the county's dense development, seismic proximity, and susceptibility to flooding and tropical systems.

Fairfax County stands apart in risk

Fairfax's composite score of 94.66 dwarfs neighboring Fairfax city (5.28) and Falls Church city (1.62), highlighting how concentrated disaster risk can be. The county's flood risk of 97.01 is the highest recorded across all Virginia counties analyzed.

Floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes loom large

Fairfax residents face a triple threat: flood risk of 97.01, earthquake risk of 92.81, and hurricane risk of 93.03—all among the highest in the state. Tornado risk (54.48) and wildfire risk (33.97) present secondary but meaningful concerns across the diverse county landscape.

Flood insurance is non-negotiable

With flood risk at 97.01, Fairfax residents must secure federal flood insurance before disaster strikes; standard policies do not cover flooding. Pair flood insurance with comprehensive earthquake and wind coverage, and consider professional seismic retrofitting for older structures in high-risk zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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