Stafford
Virginia

What stands out

If you had to describe Stafford County in numbers, start here: the median household income is among the highest in America ($128,036), the typical two-bedroom rent is in the top 3% of American counties ($1,625 a month), and the average commute is in the top 4% of American counties (32 minutes). Within Virginia it ranks 6th of 133 counties for the median household income.

Where you are

You live in Stafford County, Virginia. 157,606 people live here with you. The population grew 1.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,029).

Virginia has a graduated income tax with a 5.75% top rate that begins at just $17,000 of income, so most residents pay near the top rate. It does not tax Social Security and allows an age deduction of up to $12,000 for residents 65 and over. Northern Virginia's federal and defense economy produces incomes closer to the Washington suburbs of Maryland than to the rest of the state. Localities levy annual property tax on vehicles.

Money

The typical household here brings in $128,036 a year, higher than almost every county in America. Employers pay an average wage of $68,734. Unemployment runs 2.9%, lower than 70% of American counties. 15% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 32 minutes each way.

Virginia takes 5.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $7,105 a year.

Home

The median home costs $545K, pricier than 95% of American counties, about 3.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,625 a month. Property tax is 0.74% of home value, roughly $3,201 a year on that median home, lower than 61% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.1 per 1,000 residents, lower than 88% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 19 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.4 years, longer than 87% of American counties. There are 143 active physicians in the county, about 9.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 6.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.19 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 75% of American counties. 93% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 3 points. 76% of eligible voters turned out. Under Virginia law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 58°F, highs near 68 and lows near 47, warmer than 59% of American counties. About 37 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 73 out of 100, riskier than 73% of American counties; the county has had 20 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 293 Mbps down, faster than 93% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.