Fairfax County, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,147,837
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$153,637/yr
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
430,047
0.4% year-over-year change

Fairfax County population

How many people live in Fairfax County

Fairfax County is home to 1,147,837 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.9% of Fairfax County locals are male, and 50.1% are female.

Total population
1,147,837
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.9%
573,203
Female
50.1%
574,634
Value Percent YoY change
Male 573,203 49.9% 0.3%
Female 574,634 50.1% 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 Fairfax County is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.7% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.7% of the population, while another 26.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.7%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
27.7%
45 to 64
26.2%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 214,814 18.7% -1.3%
15 to 24 142,453 12.4% 0.6%
25 to 44 317,460 27.7% 0.5%
45 to 64 301,175 26.2% -0.6%
Over 65 171,935 15% 3.4%
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 Fairfax County, 66.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 22% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 49.1% of locals are Caucasian, 9.6% are African American and 20% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
66.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
22%
Non-citizens
11.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 760,920 66.3% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 252,376 22% 2.5%
Non-citizens 134,541 11.7% -3.0%
Racial breakdown
White
49.1%
Black or African American
9.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
20%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.4%
Other
7.3%
Value Percent
White 564,082 49.1%
Black or African American 110,478 9.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5,846 0.5%
Asian 228,940 20%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 508 0%
Two or more races 153,679 13.4%
Other 84,304 7.3%

Households in Fairfax County

A peek inside Fairfax County households

Fairfax County has 414,101 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.6% are families, while the remaining 30.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
414,101
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
125,678
Family households
288,423
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 125,678 30.4% 0.8%
Family households 288,423 69.6% 0.1%
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 Fairfax County

The housing landscape of Fairfax County

Fairfax County's housing consists of 430,047 units, with 45.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 22.7% 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 0.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
430,047
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 195,884 45.6%
1 unit, attached 97,728 22.7%
2 units 2,970 0.7%
3 or 4 units 6,379 1.5%
5 to 9 units 21,285 5%
10 to 19 units 39,929 9.3%
20 to 49 units 12,157 2.8%
50 or more units 51,195 11.9%
Mobile home 2,264 0.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 256 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
5,401
74.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fairfax County

In Fairfax County, the median construction year is 1983. About 1.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,773 1.1% 4.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7,860 1.8% 0.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 34,690 8.1% -0.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 56,948 13.2% -0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 83,166 19.3% -0.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 97,455 22.7% 0.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 60,451 14.1% -2.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 48,553 11.3% 0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 30,750 7.2% 4.0%
Built in 2020 or later 5,401 1.3% 74.7%
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.

Fairfax County occupancy rates

Out of the 414,101 occupied housing units in Fairfax County, 68.6% are owner-occupied, while 31.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
414,101
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
129,906
Owner occupied
284,195
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 129,906 31.4% -0.6%
Owner occupied 284,195 68.6% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
3.7%
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.

Fairfax County housing costs

Housing costs in Fairfax County come to a median of $2,454 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,276.

Median housing costs per month
$2,454/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 Fairfax County
$2,276/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 Fairfax County

Fairfax County education at a glance

About 17.2% of the population in Fairfax County went to high school, while 13.3% pursued college studies. Another 5.2% earned an associate degree and 31% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 29.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 32,406 3.7% 3.3%
High school diploma 152,697 17.2% 0.1%
College diploma 117,479 13.3% -3.1%
Associate degree 45,696 5.2% -2.5%
Bachelor's degree 274,353 31% 1.3%
Graduate degree 262,896 29.7% 2.4%
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 Fairfax County

How much people earn in Fairfax County

The average annual household income in Fairfax County was $195,941 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $153,637, reflecting a +2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fairfax County
$195,941/year
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fairfax County
$153,637/year
2.4% year-over-year change

Fairfax County income by age

In Fairfax County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $154,177. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $183,885 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $75,489, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $119,967 in earnings. Overall, 94.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $75,489 0.4%
25 - 44 $154,177 2.3%
45 - 64 $183,885 2.6%
Over 65 $119,967 1.4%
Above poverty level
1,057,749
Below poverty level
66,382
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,057,749 94.1% 0.3%
Below poverty level 66,382 5.9% 0.8%

Employment in Fairfax County

Workforce and job types in Fairfax County

The job market in Fairfax County is powered by 610,160 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.6% run their own businesses, 58.9% are employed by private companies, and 21.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
610,160
-0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
551,301
Blue collar
58,859
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 551,301 90.4% 0.2%
Blue collar 58,859 9.6% -2.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.6%
Private companies
58.9%
Governmental workers
21.7%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 58,458 9.6% 0.3%
Private companies 359,491 58.9% -0.9%
Governmental workers 132,371 21.7% 1.1%
Not for profit companies 59,840 9.8% 2.6%
Unemployment rate
4.2%
6.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Fairfax County stands at 4.2%, 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 Fairfax County

How people get around in Fairfax County

In Fairfax County, the average commute time is 29 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 63.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
29 min
-2.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 386,819 63.1% -4.3%
Taxicab 1,790 0.3% 3.9%
Bus or trolleybus 10,968 1.8% -10.9%
Subway or elevated 14,978 2.4% N/A
Railroad 1,855 0.3% -18.8%
Ferryboat 8 0% 0.0%
Motorcycle 529 0.1% -20.3%
Bicycle 1,890 0.3% 2.4%
Walk 10,371 1.7% -1.6%
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 Fairfax County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
20151 22,610 7,095 $158,271 $189,349
20170 43,866 13,583 $159,466 $188,859
20171 51,286 18,923 $171,372 $205,878
20190 22,012 11,206 $134,746 $167,519
20191 31,011 12,163 $151,185 $175,460
20194 12,275 5,707 $170,988 $225,238
22003 57,755 18,962 $138,794 $173,514
20120 42,896 14,578 $152,563 $181,857
20121 27,788 9,891 $129,947 $152,309
20124 14,375 4,825 $221,060 $275,415

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FAQs about Fairfax County demographics 

What is the total population of Fairfax County?

Fairfax County has a total population of 1,147,837 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 Fairfax County?

The gender ratio in Fairfax County is as follows:
  • 49.9% males (573,203 residents)
  • 50.1% females (574,634 residents)

What is the median age in Fairfax County?

The median age in Fairfax County is 39.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fairfax County?

The age distribution in Fairfax County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.7% (214,814 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (142,453 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.7% (317,460 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.2% (301,175 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (171,935 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fairfax County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fairfax County is as follows:
  • White: 49.1% (564,082 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.6% (110,478 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (5,846 residents)
  • Asian: 20% (228,940 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (508 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.4% (153,679 residents)
  • Other: 7.3% (84,304 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 66.3% of the population in Fairfax County.

How many housing units are there in Fairfax County?

There are 430,047 housing units in Fairfax County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Fairfax County has a total of 414,101 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fairfax County?

Fairfax County has a median household income of $153,637, representing a +2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Fairfax County?

The employment rate is 95.8% in Fairfax County, with a workforce of 610,160 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.4% (551,301 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.6% (58,859 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.6% (58,458 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.9% (359,491 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.7% (132,371 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (59,840 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