McLean, VA
Population 50,232 · Virginia
About McLean, VA
McLean is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 50,232 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in McLean features a median home value of $1,304,900, which is 433% above the national median of $244,900. This places McLean in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,376, 190% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,765 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (14,819 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (2,314 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in McLean shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in McLean have an average one-way commute time of 28.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
85.1% of McLean 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, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 25.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How McLean Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in McLean, VA
Compared to national averages, McLean has a median household income of $250,001 (233% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,304,900, which is 433% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,376 is 190% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, McLean's income is 184% above the state average of $87,957, and home values are 298% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in McLean, VA?
McLean offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and a well-educated community where 85.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,304,900. However, as a mid-sized city, McLean provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
McLean has a population of 50,232 with a median age of 46.2 years. Compare McLean with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near McLean
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisonburg | 51,492 | $59,752 | $278,200 | Compare |
| Leesburg | 48,788 | $140,668 | $617,700 | Compare |
| Tuckahoe | 48,610 | $96,188 | $442,200 | Compare |
| Charlottesville | 45,863 | $69,829 | $448,400 | Compare |
| Ashburn | 45,551 | $152,094 | $659,000 | Compare |
| Blacksburg | 45,288 | $48,070 | $417,200 | Compare |
| Lake Ridge | 45,007 | $120,844 | $452,800 | Compare |
| Woodbridge | 43,443 | $100,370 | $395,400 | 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 McLean With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about McLean
What is the population of McLean, VA?
The population of McLean, VA is 50,232 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 McLean?
The median household income in McLean, VA is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in McLean?
The median home value in McLean, VA is $1,304,900, which is 433% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in McLean?
The median monthly rent in McLean, VA is $3,376, which is 190% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in McLean?
The unemployment rate in McLean, VA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is McLean, VA a good place to live?
McLean offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 50,232 and a median age of 46.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is McLean, VA?
85.1% of residents in McLean 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 McLean?
Key cost-of-living indicators for McLean, VA: median home value is $1,304,900 (433% above national), median rent is $3,376/month, and median household income is $250,001. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in McLean?
The poverty rate in McLean, VA is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is McLean, VA?
McLean's population is 1.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 25.0% of residents are foreign-born.