countyscore
51.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 99.9Disaster Risk 98.4Schools 94.4

County Report Card

About Falls Church city, Virginia

Falls Church Exceeds National Median

Falls Church city earns a composite score of 51.8, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high-performance environment with exceptional socioeconomic metrics.

Outperforming the Virginia Average

With a score of 51.8, the city outperforms the Virginia state average of 50.9. It ranks as one of the most desirable and high-functioning jurisdictions in the Commonwealth.

Elite Schools and Wealth

Falls Church achieves near-perfect scores in income (99.9), environmental risk (98.4), and schools (94.4). The median household income is a staggering $154,734.

Extreme Costs and Limited Data

The city has a near-zero cost score of 0.2, with median home values exceeding $1 million. While other metrics are high, water quality data is currently unavailable for evaluation.

Premier Living for the Affluent

Falls Church is the ultimate destination for high-earning families who prioritize top-tier education and safety. It offers a near-unrivaled quality of life for those who can afford the million-dollar entry price.

Score breakdown

Tax38.5Cost0.2Safety26.4Health93.4Schools94.4Income99.9Risk98.4WaterComing SoonWeather68.7
🏛38.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠0.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼99.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤93.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓94.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.4
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 →
🪨40.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱54.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
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Nearby counties

Arlington County
Virginia
44.8
Fairfax County
Virginia
44.4
Alexandria city
Virginia
39.3
Fairfax city
Virginia
36.5
District of Columbia
District of Columbia
41.2
Montgomery County
Maryland
46.9
Prince George's County
Maryland
32.5
Manassas Park city
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36.6

Deep Dives

Falls Church city across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Falls Church city

via TaxByCounty

Falls Church ranks among nation's highest

Falls Church city's effective tax rate of 0.995% exceeds the national median of 0.92%, placing it in roughly the 60th percentile nationally. The median tax of $10,001 is more than 3.7 times the national median of $2,690, driven by a premium rate and homes worth $1,005,400—nearly 3.6 times the national average.

Second-highest rate in Virginia

Falls Church city's 0.995% rate ranks among Virginia's highest, trailing only Fairfax County's 1.011% and well above the state average of 0.671%. The median tax of $10,001 is more than 5 times the state median of $1,960, reflecting exceptionally expensive homes and a high tax rate.

Virginia's most expensive jurisdiction

Falls Church city's 0.995% rate is comparable to Fairfax city (0.944%) and Fairfax County (1.011%), but its median home value of $1,005,400 is significantly higher than both—nearly $330,000 more than Fairfax County. Falls Church represents the region's apex of property costs.

What a typical home costs in taxes

A median-priced home worth $1,005,400 in Falls Church city carries an annual tax bill of roughly $10,001. That translates to about $833 per month—more than 13 times the annual tax burden for a typical Dickenson County homeowner.

Homeowners can challenge assessments

With median home values exceeding $1 million, assessment accuracy is critical in Falls Church—even small errors translate to thousands in taxes. Property owners should carefully review their assessments and pursue appeals if they believe their valuations are inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Falls Church city

via CostByCounty

Falls Church: America's most expensive housing per capita

Falls Church's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% beats the national standard of 18.6%, despite boasting $2,205 median rent and a staggering $1,005,400 median home value—among America's highest. Median household income of $154,734 is nearly 2x the national average, allowing residents to comfortably absorb prices that would bankrupt typical American families. This is a market for the nation's wealthiest households.

Virginia's single most expensive market

Falls Church claims Virginia's highest median home value at $1,005,400 and near-highest median income at $154,734, producing a 17.1% rent-to-income ratio that beats state average. The $2,205 median rent trails Fairfax County by only $25, while the city's extreme home prices dwarf all other Virginia jurisdictions. Falls Church stands alone as Virginia's luxury market.

Falls Church towers above all peers

Falls Church's median income of $154,734 exceeds all peers, but its $1,005,400 median home value is nearly 50% higher than Fairfax County's $700k. At 17.1%, Falls Church's rent-to-income ratio remains competitive with richer neighbors, a testament to extraordinary earning power. Falls Church occupies a tier entirely its own.

Elite housing consumes elite incomes efficiently

Falls Church renters spend $2,205 monthly on $154,734 annual income—17.1% of gross earnings, an exceptional ratio given the absolute cost. However, homeowners allocate $3,549 monthly to $1.005M median homes, consuming 27.6% of household income—the highest burden in this entire peer group, though still manageable for top earners. This city rewards renters over homeowners financially.

Falls Church exclusively for top earners

With $1M median homes and $2,200+ rents, Falls Church demands documented high income ($150k+) to qualify for financing and housing. The city's world-class schools, walkable downtown, and proximity to Washington D.C. justify premium pricing for wealthy families prioritizing educational excellence and urban convenience. Those not in the top income percentile should consider neighboring Fairfax County or Fairfax city.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Falls Church city

via IncomeByCounty

Falls Church city leads nation in household income

Falls Church city's median household income of $154,734 crushes the national median of $74,755 by 107%. This extraordinary earning power ranks Falls Church among America's most affluent cities.

Falls Church city tops Virginia's income hierarchy

Falls Church city's $154,734 median household income more than doubles Virginia's state average of $74,957. Per capita income of $85,077 towers over the state average of $39,155 by 117%.

Falls Church city outearns all Virginia comparisons

Falls Church city's $154,734 median income leads Fairfax County ($150,113), Fairfax city ($132,774), and all other regional jurisdictions. The city represents the apex of Northern Virginia's income distribution.

Substantial income manages premium property costs

Despite median home values of $1,005,400—the region's highest—Falls Church's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio shows exceptional affordability relative to earnings. Residents have maximum capacity for savings, investment, and discretionary spending.

Build generational wealth through strategic planning

Falls Church's elite income levels enable comprehensive wealth strategies: diversified investments, estate planning, philanthropic giving, and business ownership. Engage sophisticated financial and tax advisors to optimize wealth preservation and transfer across generations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Falls Church city

via CrimeByCounty

Falls Church City Offers Notable Safety

Falls Church city maintains a high safety score of 97.2, well above national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 1,790.6 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Data is supplied by a single agency, which residents should consider when reviewing local trends.

Aligning with the Virginia Safety Average

The city's total crime rate of 1,790.6 is slightly higher than the Virginia state average of 1,728.8. However, its safety score of 97.2 is almost perfectly in line with the statewide average of 97.3. This reflects the city's status as a safe and stable Virginia community.

Safety Relative to Northern Virginia Peers

Falls Church city’s crime rate of 1,790.6 per 100,000 is slightly higher than the surrounding Fairfax County rate of 1,654.8. Despite this, it remains much safer than neighboring Fairfax city, which sees rates of 2,470.9. Small-city living here provides a generally secure environment.

Exceptionally Low Violent Crime Rates

The city features a remarkably low violent crime rate of only 54.9 per 100,000 residents. Property crime makes up nearly the entire local crime profile at 1,735.7, though this is still below the national average of 2,015.7. Residents enjoy a very low risk of violent incidents.

Focusing on Property Protection

While violent crime is rare, the property crime rate of 1,735.7 suggests residents should secure their homes and vehicles. Using smart cameras and locking all entry points can effectively deter most local theft. Awareness and minor upgrades help keep this small city among the safest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Falls Church city

via HealthByCounty

Among nation's healthiest communities

Falls Church residents live to 78.3 years—1.9 years above the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With just 9.7% reporting poor or fair health, far below the national 18%, the city ranks among America's healthiest places.

Second-healthiest jurisdiction in Virginia

Falls Church's 78.3-year life expectancy exceeds Virginia's 75.1-year average by 3.2 years, placing it second only to Fairfax County. The city's 9.7% poor/fair health rate is among Virginia's lowest, reflecting concentrated investment in public health and healthcare infrastructure.

Regional health champion

Falls Church's 78.3-year life expectancy trails only Fairfax County (84.5 years) in its region and far exceeds Fairfax city (76.1 years) and all rural counties. The city's 9.7% poor/fair health rate demonstrates exceptional health outcomes across a well-resourced urban population.

Exceptional provider density and coverage

Falls Church has 297 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 1,662 mental health providers per 100,000—among the nation's highest concentrations. At 3.9% uninsured, Falls Church achieves Virginia's lowest uninsured rate, ensuring near-universal access to care.

Complete your health advantage

Falls Church's 3.9% uninsured rate is the state's lowest, yet a small population remains unprotected against medical emergencies. Visit Virginia's health insurance marketplace to ensure everyone in your household maintains coverage for routine care and unexpected health crises.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Falls Church city

via SchoolsByCounty

Elite Education in a Small City

Falls Church City operates a highly efficient network of four public schools serving 2,035 students. The system includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, alongside a specialized preschool center. This compact footprint allows the city's single district to focus intensely on student outcomes.

Leading the State in Academic Excellence

The city achieves a stunning 97% graduation rate, one of the highest in the country. This performance is backed by a $11,062 per-pupil investment, nearly $3,000 more than the state average. These factors combine for an exceptional school score of 66.0, far exceeding national and state benchmarks.

Falls Church City Public Schools Stand Alone

Falls Church City Public Schools manages all local students with a focused, high-resource approach. The district operates no charter schools, as the primary public schools are widely recognized for their top-tier performance. This unified system ensures every resident child has access to the same elite resources.

Suburban Excellence on a Human Scale

All four schools are located in suburban settings, providing a safe and community-oriented feel. Meridian High is the largest campus with 865 students, while Oak Street Elementary offers a mid-sized environment for 526 children. The average school size of 509 ensures that the city avoids the anonymity of larger metropolitan districts.

The Ultimate Destination for Education Seekers

Falls Church City is widely considered a top-choice location for families who prioritize the highest possible graduation rates. The correlation between the city's elite school scores and its real estate market is undeniable. Investing in a home here is an investment in a world-class public education for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Falls Church city

via RiskByCounty

Falls Church enjoys exceptional protection

Falls Church's composite risk score of 1.62 ranks among the safest in the entire nation, with minimal exposure across nearly all natural disaster types. The city scores exceptionally low for flood (5.44), wildfire (0.13), and tornado (12.98) risks, marking it as an extraordinarily resilient community.

Virginia's safest jurisdiction overall

Falls Church's score of 1.62 is the lowest among all Virginia counties and cities analyzed, representing just 5% of the state average of 33.27. The city's remarkable safety across all major hazard categories makes it a statistical outlier even within the commonwealth's safest tier.

Falls Church far outpaces neighbors

Falls Church's composite score of 1.62 is dramatically lower than neighboring Fairfax County (94.66) and even safer than Fairfax city (5.28). The city's wildfire risk of 0.13 is nearly untraceable, representing virtually zero exposure to this hazard.

No significant natural disaster threats

Falls Church residents face no dominant natural disaster risk—all hazard categories register minimal exposure, with wildfire and tornado posing negligible threats. Even the city's highest risk category, hurricane at 53.73, remains well below state and national averages.

Basic homeowner's insurance suffices

Falls Church residents can confidently rely on standard homeowner's insurance without specialized hazard coverage. Maintain routine property maintenance and ensure adequate replacement cost valuations, and review your policy every few years to reflect property improvements and market values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Falls Church city

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Loams in the Little City

Falls Church features Entisols with a dominant loam texture and an average pH of 5.89. This is significantly less acidic than the Virginia state average of 5.23, making it friendlier for a wider variety of plants. It still leans more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a common trait for Mid-Atlantic urban soils.

A Versatile Mix of Silt and Sand

The soil composition is almost perfectly split between silt at 41.2% and sand at 40.0%, with 18.8% clay. This balanced loam texture offers excellent workability for home gardeners and professional landscapers alike. The sand content ensures the soil doesn't become overly heavy or sticky when wet.

Excellent Water Holding Capacity

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.52%, trailing the state average of 2.90%. However, the available water capacity of 0.164 in/in is quite high compared to the state average of 0.143 in/in. This allows the soil to act as an efficient sponge, keeping your garden hydrated even with lower organic levels.

Healthy Drainage for Urban Plots

The soil is officially well-drained, ensuring that excess water moves away from plant roots efficiently. It falls into hydrologic group C, which indicates moderate to high runoff potential during intense storms. This makes proper grading and rain gardens important considerations for Falls Church residents.

Zone 7b Gardening Opportunities

Located in hardiness zone 7b, Falls Church is perfect for long-season crops and diverse perennials. The well-drained loam supports a wide range of fruit trees and flowering shrubs. Your city lot is primed for a high-performing garden, especially if you boost the organic matter.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Falls Church city

via LawnByCounty

Urban Growing in Falls Church

Falls Church city carries a lawn difficulty score of 54.1, very close to the state average of 55.4 and higher than the national median. This Hardiness Zone 7b area offers a reliable environment for homeowners to establish beautiful lawns. Success depends on navigating more frequent heat peaks than its immediate neighbors.

Managing Heat in the Little City

Falls Church faces 40 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly more than the 23 days seen in surrounding Fairfax County. With 41.8 inches of annual rain, the city is slightly drier than the state average, meaning irrigation is more important here. The July average of 81.0°F makes heat-tolerance a top priority for any local turf selection.

Solid Loam Foundation for Turf

The city sits on well-drained loam soil with a 40.0% sand and 18.8% clay composition. Its soil pH of 5.89 is nearly perfect, sitting just below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for optimal grass health. This high-quality soil structure means that with minor lime adjustments, lawns can thrive with minimal specialized prep work.

Navigating Extended Dry Periods

Over the past year, the city has experienced 32 weeks of drought, necessitating a focus on water conservation. Although the entire city is currently abnormally dry, there is no severe drought present (D2+). Implementing water-saving habits like morning-only irrigation will help maintain turf through these frequent dry stretches.

Selecting Resilient Grass for Falls Church

Given the 40 days of extreme heat, a heat-tolerant fescue blend or a warm-season grass like Zoysia is recommended. While specific frost dates are not provided for the city, following a late September seeding schedule is typically the best path for success in Zone 7b. Focus on varieties that can withstand the city's unique urban heat island effect.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Falls Church city's county score?
Falls Church city, Virginia has a composite county score of 51.8 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 Falls Church city rank among counties in Virginia?
Falls Church city ranks #71 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 Falls Church city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Falls Church city is $10,001, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Falls Church city a tax score of 38.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Falls Church city?
The median household income in Falls Church city, Virginia is $154,734 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Falls Church city earns an income score of 99.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Falls Church city, Virginia a good place to live?
Falls Church city scores 51.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #71 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Falls Church 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 Falls Church city with other counties side by side.

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