countyscore
32.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.3Disaster Risk 83.4Weather & Climate 55

County Report Card

About Manassas city, Virginia

High Incomes Meet High Costs

Manassas city posts a composite score of 32.5, which falls short of the national median of 50.0. This low overall ranking is primarily driven by extreme housing costs and safety metrics.

Manassas Ranks Below State Average

The city’s score of 32.5 is significantly lower than the Virginia state average of 50.9. While it is an economic powerhouse, its livability profile is hampered by the high cost of the D.C. metro area.

Elite Income and Risk Resilience

Manassas boasts a near-perfect income score of 98.3, with a median household income of $117,919. It also shows high resilience to environmental hazards with a risk score of 83.4.

Extreme Costs and Safety Gaps

Affordability is nearly non-existent with a cost score of 2.0 and median rents of $1,835. Safety remains another challenge, as indicated by a score of 12.7, while water data is currently unavailable.

Suited for High-Earning Commuters

Manassas is best for high-income professionals who need proximity to Northern Virginia job markets. It suits those who prioritize earning potential and environmental safety over daily affordability or safety scores.

Score breakdown

Tax31.3Cost2Safety12.7Health51.1Schools42Income98.3Risk83.4WaterComing SoonWeather55
🏛31.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼98.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡12.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡83.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Prince William County
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39.6
Manassas Park city
Virginia
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Fairfax County
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Falls Church city
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Fauquier County
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Deep Dives

Manassas city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Manassas city

via TaxByCounty

Manassas taxes rank among nation's highest

Manassas city's effective tax rate of 1.096% substantially exceeds the national median, placing it in approximately the 85th percentile nationally. This means homeowners here pay more than four times the national median annual property tax amount.

Virginia's highest-taxed jurisdiction

Manassas city charges 1.096%, the highest effective tax rate among all Virginia counties and cities—63% above the statewide average of 0.671%. This positions Manassas as Virginia's most tax-heavy jurisdiction.

Steepest rates in the region

Manassas's 1.096% rate is nearly double neighboring Manassas Park city (1.136% is actually slightly higher). Both cities far exceed surrounding counties like Lunenburg (0.436%) and Mecklenburg (0.488%).

Median annual tax: $4,766

With a median home value of $434,700 and a 1.096% effective rate, the typical Manassas homeowner pays $4,766 annually—roughly $397 per month. This is among the highest property tax bills in the region.

High taxes demand careful review

With property taxes this significant, it's crucial for Manassas homeowners to verify their assessments are accurate. Many property owners pay thousands more than necessary due to overvaluation—filing an appeal could yield substantial savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Manassas city

via CostByCounty

Manassas rents match national burden patterns

Despite high absolute rents of $1,835 monthly, Manassas residents with a median household income of $117,919 maintain a 18.7% rent-to-income ratio, right in line with national patterns. This reflects Manassas's position as a high-income suburban enclave where strong earnings cushion steep housing costs.

Premium pricing, premium earnings in Northern Virginia

Manassas's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% sits just slightly above Virginia's state average of 18.6%, remarkable given its $1,835 median rent—nearly 60% higher than the state average. The county's $117,919 median income, nearly $35,000 above state norms, explains how residents absorb such steep housing costs.

Northern Virginia's expensive peer group

At $1,835 rent and $434,700 home values, Manassas sits between the even pricier Manassas Park and more affordable Lynchburg, reflecting its role as a Northern Virginia commuter hub. Median incomes here ($117,919) dwarf rural counties by $40,000–$70,000, enabling the affordability balance.

How Manassas households spend on housing

Renters dedicate 18.7% of their $117,919 income to rent, while homeowners commit approximately 21.8% to mortgages on $434,700 homes. Both figures are manageable given the area's high earnings, though homeownership at this price point still dominates household budgets.

Manassas suits high-earning relocations

If your household income exceeds $110,000 and you're relocating to Northern Virginia, Manassas offers quality of life and manageable housing costs relative to earnings. Compare your salary against the $117,919 median and your debt-to-income ratio to confirm affordability before moving.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Manassas city

via IncomeByCounty

Manassas significantly exceeds national income

Manassas's median household income of $117,919 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 58%, ranking among America's highest-earning communities. This northern Virginia city has captured prosperity from its proximity to Washington, D.C.'s booming job market.

Top earner in Virginia jurisdictions

At $117,919, Manassas commands one of the highest median incomes in Virginia, towering 57% above the state median of $74,957. The city's position near the nation's capital drives wages far above most Virginia communities.

Outearns peer northern Virginia cities

Manassas ($117,919) vastly outpaces Manassas Park ($100,668) and dwarfs rural counties like Lunenburg ($54,460) and Mecklenburg ($51,691). The city's D.C. metro access creates a pronounced income hierarchy across northern Virginia.

High income absorbs rising home costs

A 18.7% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% cost-burden threshold, though Manassas's median home value of $434,700 reflects hot Northern Virginia real estate. The city's elevated incomes provide sufficient cushion to handle premium housing costs.

Manassas residents: wealth-building window

With nearly $118,000 in annual median household income, Manassas families have substantial capacity for aggressive retirement savings, investment diversification, and wealth accumulation. Consulting a financial advisor about tax-advantaged strategies can accelerate path to six-figure net worth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Manassas city

via CrimeByCounty

Manassas City Mirrors National Crime Averages

Manassas city reports a total crime rate of 2,550.5 per 100,000 residents, slightly exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the city maintains a safety score of 96.0 out of 100 based on relative state trends.

Tracking Safety in a Busy Hub

The city's safety score of 96.0 falls just below the Virginia state average of 97.3. With data provided by a single reporting agency, local figures reflect the unique challenges of an urban center in the Commonwealth.

Urban Crime vs. Virginia State Averages

The city's total crime rate of 2,550.5 per 100,000 is higher than the Virginia average of 1,728.8. This disparity is common for independent cities compared to more rural neighboring counties.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Property crime is the primary concern in Manassas, totaling 2,252.5 incidents per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate of 298.0 per 100,000 remains lower than the national average of 369.8, indicating a generally safe environment for residents.

Proactive Security for Manassas Residents

With property crime as the leading incident type, residents should invest in smart doorbells and secure window locks. Staying vigilant in urban areas ensures that local safety scores remain stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Manassas city

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy on national track

Manassas residents live to an average of 76.7 years, about 3.3 years below the U.S. average of 80 years. Only 16.9% report poor or fair health, a relatively healthy self-assessment for an urban area.

Slightly above state average lifespan

Manassas's life expectancy of 76.7 years exceeds Virginia's 75.1-year average by 1.6 years, placing it among healthier cities statewide. However, its 14.0% uninsured rate is significantly higher than Virginia's 7.9% average, indicating a coverage crisis.

Strong doctors, high uninsured rates

Manassas offers 96 primary care providers and 379 mental health providers per 100,000—strong access compared to rural counties. Yet the 14.0% uninsured rate, highest in this cluster, means many residents cannot afford to use those providers.

Providers exist, but costs keep residents out

Manassas has adequate healthcare infrastructure with good provider availability, but one in seven residents lack insurance to access it. High uninsured rates often correlate with delayed care and emergency room visits, straining both families and the system.

Affordable plans help many Manassas residents

With 14.0% uninsured, Manassas residents urgently need coverage—and many qualify for subsidized plans or Medicaid. Check Virginia's marketplace or Medicaid.virginia.gov to see what assistance you may qualify for.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Manassas city

via SchoolsByCounty

Suburban Schooling in Manassas City

Manassas city supports 12 public schools, including six elementary and three middle schools, for a total of 8,067 students. One primary district manages the infrastructure that serves this densely populated suburban community.

High Spending in a Challenging Environment

Manassas invests $9,391 per pupil, significantly more than the state average of $7,941. However, the graduation rate of 72.0% and school score of 49.2 indicate that the city continues to work toward closing the gap with state benchmarks.

The Reach of Manassas City Schools

Manassas City Public Schools is the primary district, managing 11 schools and 7,413 students. While there are no charter schools, the district offers a range of suburban campuses to meet the needs of a diverse population.

Large Suburban Campuses and Community

All 12 schools are located in suburban settings, with a relatively high average enrollment of 807 students. Osbourn High is the largest school by far with 2,323 students, while Baldwin Elementary serves 630 students.

Discover Suburban Living in Manassas

Manassas offers a high level of investment in its students and a classic suburban lifestyle. Find a home today that puts your family in the center of this active and well-funded educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Manassas city

via RiskByCounty

Manassas well below national risk average

With a composite risk score of 16.63 and a Very Low rating, Manassas city faces significantly lower natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. community. The city's score is well below Virginia's state average of 33.27, reflecting a relatively protected location.

Among Virginia's lowest-risk communities

Manassas city ranks in Virginia's safer tier for natural disaster exposure, with its Very Low rating placing it among the top-performing communities in the state. The city's risk profile is similar to other protected northern Virginia communities.

Safer than similar northern Virginia cities

Manassas's risk score of 16.63 is lower than neighboring Lynchburg city (49.30) and comparable to Manassas Park city (4.93), its closest geographic peer. The city benefits from northern Virginia's generally lower exposure to major hurricane and flood systems.

Tornado and earthquake pose main threats

Tornado risk at 28.47 represents Manassas's most significant hazard exposure, followed by earthquake risk at 55.88. Flood risk (31.68) is moderate but elevated relative to the city's other threats, while wildfire risk remains minimal at 0.80.

Tornado coverage protects Manassas homes

Manassas residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance with windstorm and hail coverage to address the city's primary tornado risk. Standard policies typically cover tornado damage, but renters should verify their coverage specifically addresses severe convective weather threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Manassas city

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Hub in the Mid-Atlantic

Manassas city averages 55.5°F annually, placing it above the national median. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate with significant summer heat and distinct winter cooling.

Typical Virginia Temperature Profile

The city's 55.5°F average sits just below the Virginia statewide average of 55.9°F. This makes Manassas warmer than many Northern Virginia counties but cooler than the coastal southeast.

Warmer and Hotter Than Loudoun

Manassas is warmer than Loudoun County (54.8°F) and experiences more intense summer peaks. The city's July average of 78.1°F makes it one of the warmer urban centers in the northern region.

Intense Summer Heat Waves

Summer is the dominant season, featuring 41 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters are relatively moderate with a 35.5°F average, though local snowfall records are currently unavailable.

Prepare for Forty Hot Days

With 41 days of extreme heat, a high-performance cooling system is the most critical home investment. Residents should plan outdoor activities for early morning to avoid the frequent 90-degree afternoon peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Manassas city

via SoilByCounty

Urban Soil Profile Data Limited

Manassas city currently lacks comprehensive soil taxonomic and pH data in national agricultural databases. Most surrounding regions maintain acidic profiles near the state average pH of 5.23, but urban development often alters these levels.

A Mosaic of Developed Land

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available for this independent city. In urban environments, native soil is frequently mixed with fill material, creating highly variable drainage and workability.

Test Locally for Best Results

With no recorded average for organic matter or water capacity, local gardeners should rely on private soil tests. These tests help compare your specific plot against the Virginia organic matter average of 2.90%.

Managing Runoff in the City

There is no dominant drainage class data available for this area, which is common in densely built environments. Proper site assessment is critical to manage storm runoff and ensure garden beds do not become waterlogged.

Success in an Urban Climate

Manassas city resides in Hardiness Zone 7a, perfect for hardy perennials and summer vegetables. Start an urban garden in raised beds or containers to bypass local soil data gaps and grow your own fresh produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Manassas city

via LawnByCounty

Urban Lawn Hurdles in Manassas

Manassas city scores a 46.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, trailing both the state average and the national median. This Hardiness Zone 7a location requires careful attention to climate fluctuations. Maintaining a healthy lawn here is a test of patience against heat and urban dry spells.

High Heat and Urban Warmth

Despite its northern location, Manassas endures 41 days of extreme heat per year, well above the state average of 28. The 3,908 growing degree days indicate plenty of warmth for plant growth, but the heat intensity can stress cool-season grasses. Without annual precipitation data, monitoring soil moisture during those 41 hot days is critical.

The Mystery of Urban Soil

Detailed soil metrics for Manassas city are unavailable, which is common in highly developed urban areas. Urban soils are often compacted from construction and may have variable pH levels. We recommend a professional soil test to determine if your specific lot requires lime or organic amendments.

Extended Periods of Drought

Manassas has spent a significant 36 weeks in drought over the past year. Currently, 100% of the city is abnormally dry, though it has avoided the severe D2+ classifications seen elsewhere. To save water, allow your lawn to grow longer in the summer to shade the root systems.

Spring Start for Manassas Lawns

With the last frost occurring around April 12, the spring growing window opens relatively early. Turf-type tall fescue is the best all-around performer for this city's mix of cold winters and hot summers. Aim to complete fall renovations before the first frost arrives on October 27.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Manassas city's county score?
Manassas city, Virginia has a composite county score of 32.5 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 Manassas city rank among counties in Virginia?
Manassas city ranks #126 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 Manassas city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Manassas city is $4,766, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Manassas city a tax score of 31.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Manassas city?
The median household income in Manassas city, Virginia is $117,919 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Manassas city earns an income score of 98.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Manassas city, Virginia a good place to live?
Manassas city scores 32.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #126 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Manassas 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 Manassas city with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.