Alexandria, VA
Population 156,788 · Virginia
About Alexandria, VA
Alexandria is a major city located in Virginia with a population of 156,788 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $113,638 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alexandria features a median home value of $696,800, which is 185% above the national median of $244,900. This places Alexandria in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,031, 75% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 80,570 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (31,674 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (43,675 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alexandria shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Alexandria have an average one-way commute time of 29.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
65.8% of Alexandria residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.2% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 12.6% Asian residents, with 24.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Alexandria Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Alexandria, VA
Compared to national averages, Alexandria has a median household income of $113,638 (51% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $696,800, which is 185% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,031 is 75% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Alexandria's income is 29% above the state average of $87,957, and home values are 113% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Alexandria, VA?
Alexandria offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $113,638, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 65.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $696,800. However, as a major city, Alexandria provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Alexandria has a population of 156,788 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Alexandria with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Alexandria
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton | 137,334 | $67,758 | $234,100 | Compare |
| Newport News | 184,774 | $66,718 | $243,300 | Compare |
| Roanoke | 98,677 | $52,671 | $180,500 | Compare |
| Portsmouth | 97,299 | $58,972 | $229,400 | Compare |
| Suffolk | 96,638 | $90,089 | $329,600 | Compare |
| Richmond | 227,595 | $62,671 | $328,100 | Compare |
| Lynchburg | 79,255 | $59,808 | $211,800 | Compare |
| Norfolk | 235,037 | $64,017 | $271,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Alexandria With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Alexandria
What is the population of Alexandria, VA?
The population of Alexandria, VA is 156,788 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Alexandria?
The median household income in Alexandria, VA is $113,638 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alexandria?
The median home value in Alexandria, VA is $696,800, which is 185% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Alexandria?
The median monthly rent in Alexandria, VA is $2,031, which is 75% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alexandria?
The unemployment rate in Alexandria, VA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Alexandria, VA a good place to live?
Alexandria offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 156,788 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Alexandria, VA?
65.8% of residents in Alexandria aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Alexandria?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alexandria, VA: median home value is $696,800 (185% above national), median rent is $2,031/month, and median household income is $113,638. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Alexandria?
The poverty rate in Alexandria, VA is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Alexandria, VA?
Alexandria's population is 3.2% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 12.6% Asian, and 20.7% two or more races. 24.6% of residents are foreign-born.