RANK #814 / 996 · POP 235,845 · VA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.7%
Arlington County, Virginia, stands out for its unique governmental structure, operating as a single, unified jurisdiction without incorporated cities or towns within its borders. Located directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., it offers a commute to the capital that can be as short as 10 to 20 minutes via its extensive Metrorail system, which includes 11 stations. The community blends urban density with accessible green spaces, boasting over 1,100 acres of parks and 50 miles of paved trails, many with views of the D.C. skyline. This focus on walkability and public transit contributes to a community feel that prioritizes convenience and outdoor activity.
Life in Arlington County is often characterized by its high quality and diverse population, attracting families, young professionals, and retirees. The public school system is highly rated, and the county is recognized for its safety. The economy, historically influenced by the federal government, is diversifying with growth in sectors like cybersecurity, defense contracting, and artificial intelligence. Commercial and residential development continues, with an emphasis on sustainable urban planning and creating mixed-use neighborhoods around transit corridors.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Speculative pricing
Housing is fairly valued at 4.8x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
One Rosslyn Redevelopment
Penzance
|
$600M | Planned |
|
Rosslyn Office Building Redevelopment (1401 Wilson Blvd & 1400 Key Blvd)
Monday Properties
|
$250M | Proposed |
|
Arlington-Amazon Solar Farm (Pittsylvania County, VA)
Dominion Energy / Amazon / Arlington County
|
$120M | Completed |
|
Ballston One
Penzance
|
$100M | Planned |
|
Highlands Row Townhouses (Crystal City)
EYA LLC
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Arlington County has a Boom Town Index score of 18/100, ranking #814 among 996 U.S. counties. With a median household income of $137,387, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Arlington County is $833,300 with median rent at $2,227/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1649, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: 0.0%. Home values changed +0.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.02% of Arlington County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.