countyscore
44.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.9Health 88.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax County Under National Median

Fairfax County has a composite score of 44.4, placing it below the national median of 50.0. Its world-class incomes are offset by extreme housing costs and environmental risks.

Below the Virginia Average

While it is an economic powerhouse, the county's score of 44.4 remains below the Virginia average of 50.9. The high cost of living is the primary factor limiting its overall composite.

Top-Tier Incomes and Health

Fairfax County features a nearly perfect income score of 99.9 with a median household income of $150,113. Residents also enjoy excellent health outcomes, reflected in a health score of 88.3.

Cost and Climate Vulnerability

The cost score is a stark 0.4, with median home values approaching $700,000. Environmental risk is also a major concern, as the county receives a low risk score of 5.3.

A High-Paced Professional Hub

The county is ideal for affluent families who value high-performing schools and elite healthcare. It requires a high salary to manage the cost of living and the effective tax rate of 1.011%.

2040608010037.40.430.388.36599.95.38662.8Tax37.4Cost0.4Safety30.3Health88.3Schools65Income99.9Risk5.3Water86Weather62.844.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Fairfax County DNA

Foverall

How Fairfax County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Fairfax County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (99.9/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (0.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.4-14.600000000000001
Cost
0.4-47.6
Safety
30.3-24.7
Health
88.3+38.3
Schools
65+11
Income
99.9+48.900000000000006
Risk
5.3-41.7
Water
86+28
Weather
62.8
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Compare mortgage rates in Fairfax County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$699,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$2,230/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$699,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$89,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $150,113/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

Fairfax city
Virginia
36.5
Falls Church city
Virginia
51.8
Arlington County
Virginia
44.8
Alexandria city
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District of Columbia
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Deep Dives

Fairfax County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Fairfax County

via CrimeByCounty

Fairfax County: A Large and Safe Community

Fairfax County achieves a safety score of 97.4, outperforming national norms for large metropolitan areas. Its total crime rate of 1,654.8 per 100,000 is about 30% lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Six reporting agencies provide a comprehensive and reliable look at local safety.

Meeting Virginia’s High Safety Standards

The county's total crime rate of 1,654.8 per 100,000 is lower than the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. Its safety score of 97.4 is nearly identical to the state average of 97.3. For a county of its size, Fairfax remains remarkably aligned with the state's secure reputation.

Safety Comparisons in Northern Virginia

Fairfax County's crime rate of 1,654.8 is lower than that of its neighbor, Falls Church city, which sits at 1,790.6. It also maintains a much lower rate than Fairfax city’s 2,470.9. These numbers make it one of the safest large-scale jurisdictions in the entire Mid-Atlantic region.

Low Violent Crime Defines the County

Fairfax County reports a very low violent crime rate of 118.9 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also below the national average, sitting at 1,535.9. Residents benefit from a safety profile that prioritizes personal security.

Smart Security for Suburban Life

With property crime at 1,535.9 per 100,000, basic home precautions are still worth the effort. Consider alarm systems and motion sensors to protect against opportunistic theft in residential areas. Community safety programs remain a key asset in maintaining these favorable stats.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Fairfax County

via SchoolsByCounty

One of the Nation's Largest Systems

Fairfax County manages a massive infrastructure of 222 public schools, including 140 elementary and 27 high schools. Over 175,000 students are enrolled, making it one of the largest and most complex districts in the United States. The system includes 13 alternative schools and 8 special education facilities to serve every learner.

Competitive Performance on a Massive Scale

Fairfax County maintains an 88% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average. Per-pupil expenditure is a significant $10,788, far exceeding the state average of $7,941. These high investment levels lead to a county-wide school score of 60.7, well above state and national medians.

The Power of Fairfax County Public Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools is the primary district, managing nearly 180,000 students and 223 total schools. There are currently zero charter schools in the county, as the traditional district provides a wide range of specialized programs. Two other smaller districts provide specialized training services with no traditional student enrollment.

A Predominantly Suburban Academic Powerhouse

With 204 schools in suburban locales, the county defines the modern suburban educational experience. Schools are large, with Lake Braddock Secondary alone serving 4,377 students and an average school size of 894 students. This scale provides students with incredible extracurricular variety and specialized academic tracks.

Find Your Place in a Top-Tier District

Fairfax County remains a premier destination for families who value high educational investment and diverse opportunities. The robust graduation rates and high school scores are significant factors in the area's strong property values. Target your home search near the top-performing secondary schools to give your children a competitive edge.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Fairfax County

via WaterByCounty

Superior Drinking Water Safety

Fairfax County earns an A grade with zero health violations recorded in the federal database over the last five years. This perfect record stands in sharp contrast to the state average of 126.9 violations per 100K residents.

Watershed Under Pressure

Environmental assessments show 55.1% of the 178 water bodies fail Clean Water Act standards, surpassing the state average of 46.1%. Heavy development contributes to impairments from E. coli and damaged benthic communities.

Extensive Monitoring Network

The county boasts a massive footprint with 288 sites and over 81,000 measurements in five years. This extensive data covers physical, nutrient, and inorganic characteristics, providing deep insight into local water trends.

Difficult Run Flow Status

Difficult Run near Great Falls is flowing at 52 cfs, which is a relatively stable 82% of its long-term typical flow. This near-normal discharge helps maintain the health of the county's complex stream networks.

Reducing Your Environmental Impact

Although drinking water is exceptionally safe, more than half of the county's streams are impaired. Residents can help by reducing fertilizer use and managing pet waste to combat the high E. coli and nutrient levels found in the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fairfax County

via WeatherByCounty

Predictable Mid-Atlantic Weather

Fairfax County’s 54.9°F annual average temperature sits right near the national median. It experiences a classic four-season climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic region.

Cooler Than the State Average

The county is exactly one degree cooler than the Virginia state average of 55.9°F. This difference reflects the slightly harsher winters found in Northern Virginia.

Consistent Regional Precipitation

Fairfax receives 43.4 inches of annual precipitation, slightly less than the state average of 45.7 inches. Its 19.8 inches of annual snow is typical for the Northern Virginia corridor.

Balanced Seasonal Extremes

Residents face 23 days of extreme heat over 90°F each summer. Winters are cold but manageable, with an average December-February temperature of 35.5°F.

Ready for Every Season

You will need a full wardrobe ranging from heavy parkas for the 19.8 inches of snow to light clothing for the 23 heat days. A balanced HVAC system is vital for year-round comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fairfax County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols Define the Landscape

Fairfax County is dominated by Entisols, which are relatively young soils with little profile development. The average pH of 5.11 is more acidic than the state average of 5.23 and far below the national 6.5 median. This acidity typically requires lime amendments for traditional vegetable gardening.

The Balance of Loam Texture

The county's soil is classified as Loam, consisting of 43.3% silt, 38.2% sand, and 17.5% clay. This mix provides a classic balance that offers both easy digging and reliable nutrient holding. It represents a more versatile base for gardening than the sandier soils found in coastal Virginia.

Strong Water Retention Despite Low Organic Matter

Organic matter measures 1.94%, which is lower than the state average of 2.90% but nearly matches the national average. Available water capacity remains high at 0.161 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.143 in/in. This means your plants have a better-than-average reservoir to draw from during hot spells.

Well-Drained Soils with Group C Hydrology

The soil is classified as well-drained, which is ideal for preventing root rot in most landscape plants. However, it belongs to hydrologic group C, suggesting a somewhat slow rate of water transmission when the ground is fully saturated. This combination requires careful management of storm runoff on sloped properties.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 7b

In hardiness zone 7b, Fairfax gardeners can successfully grow everything from heat-tolerant azaleas to hardy winter greens. The loam texture is particularly well-suited for root vegetables like carrots if you manage the acidity. Get your hands in the dirt and take advantage of this well-drained loamy base.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fairfax County

via LawnByCounty

Competitive Growing in Fairfax County

Fairfax County features a lawn difficulty score of 52.9, slightly below the Virginia average but still easier than the national median. In Hardiness Zone 7b, lawns benefit from a balanced climate, though specific soil and drought factors add a layer of complexity. With the right strategy, homeowners can maintain high-quality turf throughout the year.

Consistent Rain and Manageable Heat

The county averages 23 extreme heat days per year, providing a cooler summer environment than many other parts of Virginia. Rainfall totals 43.4 inches annually, which is sufficient for healthy growth across 3,679 growing degree days. This climate supports a steady mowing schedule from late spring through mid-autumn.

Managing Well-Drained Loam Soils

The soil in Fairfax County is classified as loam and is generally well-drained, which is ideal for root health. However, the pH of 5.11 is significantly acidic and will require lime applications to reach the 6.0-7.0 target for most grasses. The 17.5% clay and 38.2% sand mix provides an excellent physical foundation if the chemistry is corrected.

Preparing for Frequent Dry Spells

Fairfax County has endured 39 weeks of drought over the last year, highlighting a need for drought-tolerant turf strategies. While 100% of the area is abnormally dry right now, severe drought levels have remained at zero. Mulching grass clippings and using smart irrigation can help your lawn survive these persistent dry windows.

Starting Your Fairfax County Lawn

For Zone 7b, Tall Fescue is the recommended choice due to its resilience and adaptability to the local loam soil. Time your seeding between the April 15th last frost and the October 29th first frost to maximize the growing season. Early autumn remains the premier window for aerating and overseeding to ensure dense spring growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fairfax County's county score?
Fairfax County, Virginia has a composite county score of 44.4 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 Fairfax County rank among counties in Virginia?
Fairfax County ranks #99 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 Fairfax County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Fairfax County is $7,072, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Fairfax County a tax score of 37.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fairfax County?
The median household income in Fairfax County, Virginia is $150,113 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fairfax County earns an income score of 99.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fairfax County, Virginia a good place to live?
Fairfax County scores 44.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #99 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Fairfax County 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 Fairfax County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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