Arlington, VA
Population 235,463 · Virginia
About Arlington, VA
Arlington is a major city located in Virginia with a population of 235,463 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $140,160 per year, which is 87% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Arlington features a median home value of $864,800, which is 253% above the national median of $244,900. This places Arlington in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,275, 96% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 120,746 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (46,670 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (64,860 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 Arlington shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Arlington have an average one-way commute time of 26.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
77.1% of Arlington 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 2.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 11.2% Asian residents, with 21.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Arlington Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Arlington, VA
Compared to national averages, Arlington has a median household income of $140,160 (87% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $864,800, which is 253% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,275 is 96% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Arlington's income is 59% above the state average of $87,957, and home values are 164% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Arlington, VA?
Arlington offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $140,160, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and a well-educated community where 77.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $864,800. However, as a major city, Arlington provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Arlington has a population of 235,463 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Arlington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Arlington
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk | 235,037 | $64,017 | $271,900 | Compare |
| Richmond | 227,595 | $62,671 | $328,100 | Compare |
| Chesapeake | 251,153 | $94,189 | $359,100 | Compare |
| Newport News | 184,774 | $66,718 | $243,300 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 156,788 | $113,638 | $696,800 | Compare |
| Hampton | 137,334 | $67,758 | $234,100 | Compare |
| Roanoke | 98,677 | $52,671 | $180,500 | Compare |
| Portsmouth | 97,299 | $58,972 | $229,400 | 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 Arlington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Arlington
What is the population of Arlington, VA?
The population of Arlington, VA is 235,463 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 Arlington?
The median household income in Arlington, VA is $140,160 per year, which is 87% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Arlington?
The median home value in Arlington, VA is $864,800, which is 253% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Arlington?
The median monthly rent in Arlington, VA is $2,275, which is 96% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Arlington?
The unemployment rate in Arlington, VA is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Arlington, VA a good place to live?
Arlington offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 235,463 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Arlington, VA?
77.1% of residents in Arlington 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 Arlington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Arlington, VA: median home value is $864,800 (253% above national), median rent is $2,275/month, and median household income is $140,160. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Arlington?
The poverty rate in Arlington, VA is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Arlington, VA?
Arlington's population is 2.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 11.2% Asian, and 9.2% two or more races. 21.9% of residents are foreign-born.