Merrifield, VA
Population 20,549 · Virginia
About Merrifield, VA
Merrifield is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 20,549 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $136,173 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.4 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 Merrifield features a median home value of $637,600, which is 160% above the national median of $244,900. This places Merrifield in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,308, 98% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,833 total housing units, 36% are owner-occupied (3,412 units) and 64% are renter-occupied (6,006 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 Merrifield 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 6.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Merrifield have an average one-way commute time of 27.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
76.0% of Merrifield 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 0.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 11.1% Asian residents, with 44.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Merrifield Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Merrifield, VA
Compared to national averages, Merrifield has a median household income of $136,173 (81% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $637,600, which is 160% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,308 is 98% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Merrifield's income is 55% above the state average of $87,957, and home values are 95% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Merrifield, VA?
Merrifield offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $136,173, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and a well-educated community where 76.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $637,600. However, Merrifield’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Merrifield has a population of 20,549 with a median age of 34.4 years. Compare Merrifield with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Merrifield
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckhall | 20,447 | $169,591 | $598,700 | Compare |
| Culpeper | 20,437 | $91,429 | $366,300 | Compare |
| Meadowbrook | 20,383 | $79,750 | $262,600 | Compare |
| Lincolnia | 19,913 | $123,835 | $632,200 | Compare |
| Rose Hill CDP (Fairfax County), Virginia | 21,484 | $160,426 | $657,900 | Compare |
| Woodlawn CDP (Fairfax County), Virginia | 21,828 | $87,897 | $309,200 | Compare |
| Lorton | 21,961 | $136,719 | $583,900 | Compare |
| Montclair | 22,295 | $143,357 | $561,700 | 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 Merrifield With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Merrifield
What is the population of Merrifield, VA?
The population of Merrifield, VA is 20,549 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 Merrifield?
The median household income in Merrifield, VA is $136,173 per year, which is 81% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merrifield?
The median home value in Merrifield, VA is $637,600, which is 160% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Merrifield?
The median monthly rent in Merrifield, VA is $2,308, which is 98% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merrifield?
The unemployment rate in Merrifield, 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 Merrifield, VA a good place to live?
Merrifield offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 20,549 and a median age of 34.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Merrifield, VA?
76.0% of residents in Merrifield 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 Merrifield?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Merrifield, VA: median home value is $637,600 (160% above national), median rent is $2,308/month, and median household income is $136,173. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Merrifield?
The poverty rate in Merrifield, VA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Merrifield, VA?
Merrifield's population is 0.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 11.1% Asian, and 8.0% two or more races. 44.0% of residents are foreign-born.