Arlington, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
236,254
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$142,114/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
121,970
1.0% year-over-year change

Arlington population

How many people live in Arlington

Arlington is home to 236,254 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Arlington locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
236,254
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
118,902
Female
49.7%
117,352
Value Percent YoY change
Male 118,902 50.3% 0.4%
Female 117,352 49.7% 0.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Arlington is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.1% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 38.8% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
38.8%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
11.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 35,719 15.1% -1.0%
15 to 24 26,595 11.3% 1.7%
25 to 44 91,642 38.8% -0.4%
45 to 64 54,175 22.9% 0.5%
Over 65 28,123 11.9% 2.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Arlington, 74.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 14.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.4% of locals are Caucasian, 9.4% are African American and 10.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
74.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
14.3%
Non-citizens
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 175,621 74.3% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 33,687 14.3% -0.3%
Non-citizens 26,946 11.4% 7.7%
Racial breakdown
White
60.4%
Black or African American
9.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
10.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.4%
Other
5.6%
Value Percent
White 142,640 60.4%
Black or African American 22,327 9.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,476 0.6%
Asian 24,923 10.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 109 0%
Two or more races 31,531 13.4%
Other 13,248 5.6%

Households in Arlington

A peek inside Arlington households

Arlington has 112,027 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44.2% are families, while the remaining 55.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
112,027
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
62,529
Family households
49,498
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 62,529 55.8% 1.2%
Family households 49,498 44.2% -0.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Arlington

The housing landscape of Arlington

Arlington's housing consists of 121,970 units, with 24.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
121,970
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 30,238 24.8%
1 unit, attached 10,896 8.9%
2 units 1,283 1%
3 or 4 units 4,317 3.5%
5 to 9 units 7,428 6.1%
10 to 19 units 6,539 5.4%
20 to 49 units 4,591 3.8%
50 or more units 56,429 46.3%
Mobile home 249 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
2,392
67.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Arlington

In Arlington, the median construction year is 1976. About 8.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 13.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 9,993 8.2% 5.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 15,935 13.1% 3.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 14,918 12.2% -4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 13,640 11.2% -0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10,176 8.3% 1.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 13,368 11% -0.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 10,646 8.7% -3.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 16,723 13.7% -0.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 14,179 11.6% 1.8%
Built in 2020 or later 2,392 2% 67.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Arlington occupancy rates

Out of the 112,027 occupied housing units in Arlington, 41.3% are owner-occupied, while 58.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
112,027
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
65,806
Owner occupied
46,221
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 65,806 58.7% 1.5%
Owner occupied 46,221 41.3% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
8.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Arlington housing costs

Housing costs in Arlington come to a median of $2,457 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,322.

Median housing costs per month
$2,457/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Arlington
$2,322/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Arlington

Arlington education at a glance

About 10.2% of the population in Arlington went to high school, while 8.8% pursued college studies. Another 3.2% earned an associate degree and 37.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 38% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 5,252 2.7% 1.6%
High school diploma 19,676 10.2% 0.1%
College diploma 17,101 8.8% 0.1%
Associate degree 6,131 3.2% 3.2%
Bachelor's degree 71,880 37.1% -0.3%
Graduate degree 73,613 38% 1.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Arlington

How much people earn in Arlington

The average annual household income in Arlington was $189,970 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $142,114, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Arlington
$189,970/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Arlington
$142,114/year
1.4% year-over-year change

Arlington income by age

In Arlington, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $147,147. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $174,977 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $83,374, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $100,942 in earnings. Overall, 92.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $83,374 1.8%
25 - 44 $147,147 2.1%
45 - 64 $174,977 1.8%
Over 65 $100,942 1.6%
Above poverty level
214,037
Below poverty level
17,203
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 214,037 92.6% 0.1%
Below poverty level 17,203 7.4% 4.3%

Average renter income in Arlington

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Arlington, their median household income was $105,129 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$105,129
Rent-to-income ratio
26.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Arlington

Workforce and job types in Arlington

The job market in Arlington is powered by 145,078 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 94.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.2% run their own businesses, 54% are employed by private companies, and 25.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
145,078
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
137,416
Blue collar
7,662
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 137,416 94.7% -0.2%
Blue collar 7,662 5.3% -2.7%
Employer type
Self employees
7.2%
Private companies
54%
Governmental workers
25.1%
Not for profit companies
13.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 10,379 7.2% 2.3%
Private companies 78,271 54% 0.1%
Governmental workers 36,474 25.1% -1.5%
Not for profit companies 19,954 13.8% -1.1%
Unemployment rate
3.3%
0.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Arlington stands at 3.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Arlington

How people get around in Arlington

In Arlington, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 43% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
-1.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 62,811 43% -5.0%
Taxicab 890 0.6% 6.2%
Bus or trolleybus 5,111 3.5% -15.8%
Subway or elevated 14,952 10.2% N/A
Railroad 191 0.1% -8.6%
Ferryboat 33 0% -5.7%
Motorcycle 140 0.1% -22.2%
Bicycle 1,997 1.4% -1.3%
Walk 6,462 4.4% 1.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Arlington by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
22201 37,473 19,736 $145,000 $186,603
22202 27,715 16,120 $133,762 $169,436
22203 26,594 13,781 $140,135 $160,517
22204 51,921 22,546 $107,941 $146,171
22205 17,738 6,765 $201,094 $265,527
22206 20,703 10,985 $140,877 $165,815
22207 35,479 12,231 $245,745 $326,562
22209 14,154 8,600 $120,515 $161,160
22213 4,021 1,680 $199,306 $240,876

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FAQs about Arlington demographics 

What is the total population of Arlington?

Arlington has a total population of 236,254 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Arlington?

The gender ratio in Arlington is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (118,902 residents)
  • 49.7% females (117,352 residents)

What is the median age in Arlington?

The median age in Arlington is 35.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Arlington?

The age distribution in Arlington is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.1% (35,719 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (26,595 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 38.8% (91,642 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (54,175 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.9% (28,123 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Arlington?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Arlington is as follows:
  • White: 60.4% (142,640 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.4% (22,327 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (1,476 residents)
  • Asian: 10.6% (24,923 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (109 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.4% (31,531 residents)
  • Other: 5.6% (13,248 residents)

What percentage of the population in Arlington are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 74.3% of the population in Arlington.

How many housing units are there in Arlington?

There are 121,970 housing units in Arlington, reflecting a +1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Arlington and what is the average household size?

Arlington has a total of 112,027 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Arlington?

Arlington has a median household income of $142,114, representing a +1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Arlington?

The employment rate is 96.7% in Arlington, with a workforce of 145,078 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 94.7% (137,416 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5.3% (7,662 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.2% (10,379 residents)
  • Private companies: 54% (78,271 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 25.1% (36,474 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.8% (19,954 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025