Lorton, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
20,991
-4.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$138,685/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,319
0.9% year-over-year change

Lorton population

How many people live in Lorton

Lorton is home to 20,991 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Lorton locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
20,991
-4.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
10,011
Female
52.3%
10,980
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,011 47.7% -2.9%
Female 10,980 52.3% -5.8%
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 Lorton is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 18.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.6% of the population, while another 28% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
18.6%
25 to 44
24.6%
45 to 64
28%
Over 65
11%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,730 17.8% -18.5%
15 to 24 3,905 18.6% -0.2%
25 to 44 5,170 24.6% 5.0%
45 to 64 5,866 28% -6.6%
Over 65 2,320 11% 2.3%
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 Lorton, 64.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 26.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 9.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 32.5% of locals are Caucasian, 28.1% are African American and 17.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 16.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
64.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
26.5%
Non-citizens
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,464 64.1% -4.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,559 26.5% -8.7%
Non-citizens 1,968 9.4% 8.9%
Racial breakdown
White
32.5%
Black or African American
28.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
17.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
16.2%
Other
5.1%
Value Percent
White 6,825 32.5%
Black or African American 5,900 28.1%
Asian 3,756 17.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 38 0.2%
Two or more races 3,407 16.2%
Other 1,065 5.1%

Households in Lorton

A peek inside Lorton households

Lorton has 6,595 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 79.1% are families, while the remaining 20.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,595
-2.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,377
Family households
5,218
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,377 20.9% -5.6%
Family households 5,218 79.1% -1.4%
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 Lorton

The housing landscape of Lorton

Lorton's housing consists of 7,319 units, with 36.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 34.5% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,319
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,645 36.1%
1 unit, attached 2,522 34.5%
3 or 4 units 21 0.3%
5 to 9 units 213 2.9%
10 to 19 units 1,017 13.9%
20 to 49 units 295 4%
50 or more units 587 8%
Mobile home 19 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
118
71.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lorton

In Lorton, the median construction year is 1997. About 0.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 40% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 32 0.4% -23.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 6 0.1% 20.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 126 1.7% -6.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 238 3.2% -13.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 766 10.5% -9.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,668 22.8% 6.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,108 15.1% 7.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,931 40% -1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 326 4.4% 4.8%
Built in 2020 or later 118 1.6% 71.0%
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.

Lorton occupancy rates

Out of the 6,595 occupied housing units in Lorton, 64.4% are owner-occupied, while 35.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,595
-2.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,351
Owner occupied
4,244
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,351 35.6% -2.9%
Owner occupied 4,244 64.4% -2.0%
Unoccupied housing units
9.9%
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.

Lorton housing costs

Housing costs in Lorton come to a median of $2,626 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,548.

Median housing costs per month
$2,626/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 Lorton
$2,548/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 Lorton

Lorton education at a glance

About 19.8% of the population in Lorton went to high school, while 15% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 31.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 23.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 471 3% -8.9%
High school diploma 3,058 19.8% -13.0%
College diploma 2,315 15% -9.3%
Associate degree 1,053 6.8% -4.5%
Bachelor's degree 4,878 31.6% 1.9%
Graduate degree 3,666 23.7% 8.4%
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 Lorton

How much people earn in Lorton

The average annual household income in Lorton was $168,801 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $138,685, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lorton
$168,801/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lorton
$138,685/year
1.4% year-over-year change

Lorton income by age

In Lorton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $119,269. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $189,089 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $82,401, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $124,907 in earnings. Overall, 92.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $82,401 -31.4%
25 - 44 $119,269 1.4%
45 - 64 $189,089 2.8%
Over 65 $124,907 13.7%
Above poverty level
19,134
Below poverty level
1,544
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 19,134 92.5% -2.7%
Below poverty level 1,544 7.5% -15.0%

Average renter income in Lorton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lorton, their median household income was $110,935 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$110,935
Rent-to-income ratio
27.6%
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 Lorton

Workforce and job types in Lorton

The job market in Lorton is powered by 10,161 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.8% run their own businesses, 54.3% are employed by private companies, and 28.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,161
-4.0% year-over-year change
White collar
9,040
Blue collar
1,121
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,040 89% -3.7%
Blue collar 1,121 11% -6.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.8%
Private companies
54.3%
Governmental workers
28.5%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 796 7.8% -18.0%
Private companies 5,516 54.3% -6.8%
Governmental workers 2,897 28.5% -1.5%
Not for profit companies 952 9.4% 26.9%
Unemployment rate
6.5%
24.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lorton stands at 6.5%, 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 Lorton

How people get around in Lorton

In Lorton, the average commute time is 31 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 67.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
31 min
-1.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,134 67.2% -6.5%
Bus or trolleybus 200 1.9% -23.9%
Subway or elevated 171 1.6% N/A
Railroad 135 1.3% -22.9%
Walk 225 2.1% -19.9%
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 Lorton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
22079 35,284 11,618 $148,134 $180,357

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FAQs about Lorton demographics 

What is the total population of Lorton?

Lorton has a total population of 20,991 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 -4.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lorton?

The gender ratio in Lorton is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (10,011 residents)
  • 52.3% females (10,980 residents)

What is the median age in Lorton?

The median age in Lorton is 35.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lorton?

The age distribution in Lorton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (3,730 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.6% (3,905 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.6% (5,170 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28% (5,866 residents)
  • Over 65: 11% (2,320 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lorton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lorton is as follows:
  • White: 32.5% (6,825 residents)
  • Black or African American: 28.1% (5,900 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 17.9% (3,756 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (38 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.2% (3,407 residents)
  • Other: 5.1% (1,065 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 64.1% of the population in Lorton.

How many housing units are there in Lorton?

There are 7,319 housing units in Lorton, reflecting a +0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Lorton has a total of 6,595 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lorton?

Lorton has a median household income of $138,685, 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 Lorton?

The employment rate is 93.5% in Lorton, with a workforce of 10,161 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89% (9,040 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11% (1,121 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.8% (796 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.3% (5,516 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.5% (2,897 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (952 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