Lorton, VA
Population 21,961 · Virginia
About Lorton, VA
Lorton is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 21,961 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $136,719 per year, which is 82% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lorton features a median home value of $583,900, which is 138% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lorton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,537, 118% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,254 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (4,333 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (2,420 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lorton shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lorton have an average one-way commute time of 31.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
58.2% of Lorton 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 1.6% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 13.9% Asian residents, with 32.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lorton, VA
Compared to national averages, Lorton has a median household income of $136,719 (82% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $583,900, which is 138% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,537 is 118% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Lorton's income is 55% above the state average of $87,957, and home values are 78% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Lorton, VA?
Lorton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $136,719, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 58.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $583,900. However, Lorton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lorton has a population of 21,961 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Lorton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Lorton
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County), Virginia | 21,828 | $87,897 | $309,200 | Compare |
| Montclair | 22,295 | $143,357 | $561,700 | Compare |
| Rose Hill CDP (Fairfax County), Virginia | 21,484 | $160,426 | $657,900 | Compare |
| McNair | 22,451 | $123,327 | $566,900 | Compare |
| Waynesboro | 22,574 | $56,364 | $236,600 | Compare |
| Christiansburg | 22,820 | $75,451 | $242,900 | Compare |
| Leesylvania | 22,848 | $137,460 | $508,800 | Compare |
| West Springfield | 22,905 | $157,800 | $612,200 | 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 Lorton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lorton
What is the population of Lorton, VA?
The population of Lorton, VA is 21,961 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Lorton?
The median household income in Lorton, VA is $136,719 per year, which is 82% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lorton?
The median home value in Lorton, VA is $583,900, which is 138% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lorton?
The median monthly rent in Lorton, VA is $2,537, which is 118% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lorton?
The unemployment rate in Lorton, VA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lorton, VA a good place to live?
Lorton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,961 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lorton, VA?
58.2% of residents in Lorton 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 Lorton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lorton, VA: median home value is $583,900 (138% above national), median rent is $2,537/month, and median household income is $136,719. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lorton?
The poverty rate in Lorton, VA is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lorton, VA?
Lorton's population is 1.6% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 13.9% Asian, and 30.1% two or more races. 32.1% of residents are foreign-born.