Manassas city

Virginia · VA

#125 in Virginia
60.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Manassas city, Virginia

Manassas moderately above the national baseline

Manassas city scores 55.2, notably above the national median of 50.0 and in the 51st percentile nationally. While above average, the city shows tension between high incomes and elevated costs.

Significantly below Virginia's state average

At 55.2, Manassas falls notably short of Virginia's 70.3 state average, representing one of the lower-performing areas in the Commonwealth. The city's livability score trails typical Virginia conditions substantially.

Strong incomes support prosperity

Manassas shines with an income score of 60.3, the highest among the eight counties examined, reflecting a median household income of $117,919. This earning power positions residents well despite other cost challenges.

Housing costs consume much of high incomes

The cost score of only 41.7 reflects a median home value of $434,700 and $1,835 monthly rent, among Virginia's highest. Combined with a 1.096% effective tax rate, housing affordability emerges as the city's critical livability challenge despite strong incomes.

For high-earning families near the Metro

Manassas suits well-compensated professionals and executives working in Northern Virginia who can absorb premium housing costs. The city works best for those prioritizing proximity to metro job centers and higher incomes over overall affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax71.4Cost41.7SafetyComing SoonHealth67.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome60.3Risk83.4WaterComing Soon
🏛71.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠41.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼60.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
67.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
83.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Manassas city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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