countyscore
32.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.6Disaster 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.

2040608010029.22.412.751.14297.683.455Tax29.2Cost2.4Safety12.7Health51.1Schools42Income97.6Risk83.4Water—Weather5532.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Manassas city DNA

Foverall

How Manassas city compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Manassas city is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (97.6/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (2.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
29.2-22.8
Cost
2.4-45.6
Safety
12.7-42.3
Health
51.1
Schools
42-12
Income
97.6+46.599999999999994
Risk
83.4+36.400000000000006
Weather
55
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Manassas city

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$449,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,850/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$449,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$74,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $113,590/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.7

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
Compare Manassas city with Peach County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Peach County
Georgia
Median income: $71,293
32.2
Lancaster County
Nebraska
Median income: $74,793
32.2
Coryell County
Texas
Median income: $71,301
32.2
Palo Pinto County
Texas
Median income: $67,674
32.2
Pueblo County
Colorado
Median income: $64,010
32.3
Camden County
New Jersey
Median income: $88,755
32.1
Clark County
Ohio
Median income: $63,132
32.1
Prince George's County
Maryland
Median income: $101,798
32.4

Nearby counties

Prince William County
Virginia
39.7
Manassas Park city
Virginia
36
Fairfax city
Virginia
36.6
Fairfax County
Virginia
44.1
Falls Church city
Virginia
52
Fauquier County
Virginia
57.9
Arlington County
Virginia
44.4
Alexandria city
Virginia
39.4

Deep Dives

Manassas city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 32.2 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 $4,923, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Manassas city a tax score of 29.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Manassas city?
The median household income in Manassas city, Virginia is $113,590 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Manassas city earns an income score of 97.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Manassas city, Virginia a good place to live?
Manassas city scores 32.2/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.