Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Alexandria

Affordability in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria has a median asking rent of $2,089 per month and a median household income of $119,681, with 58% of residents renting rather than owning their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. Against that market backdrop, the 4,049 income-restricted units across 16 HUD-assisted and LIHTC properties in the city offer a meaningful source of below-market housing for eligible renters.

Safety

According to the Alexandria Police Department's data reported to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Alexandria had a violent crime rate of 264 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Alexandria

According to Walk Score, the area around Alexandria's assisted properties scores 66 (Somewhat Walkable) and a Bike Score of 43. No Transit Score was available in the data. These scores reflect conditions near the assisted properties specifically, not the city as a whole.

Schools

Alexandria is served by 65 schools across 4 districts, including 41 elementary, 7 middle, 7 high, and 10 other schools, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Quality and programs vary by school, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before making a decision.

Cost of Living in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria is one of the higher-cost rental markets in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The median household income is $119,681 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data, yet many residents still face significant housing cost burdens given the area's elevated rents.

The citywide median rent is $2,089 per month, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. HUD-assisted and income-based housing can offer a critical alternative for renters who qualify, with rents tied to income rather than market rates.

Alexandria has 16 income-based properties with a total of 4,049 assisted units tracked on Lease Lantern. These properties span a range of programs including HUD-assisted, Section 8, and LIHTC housing.

Environment & Flood Risk

All 16 HUD-assisted properties in Alexandria have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 1 is in a high-risk flood zone and the remaining 15 are not. Renters interested in that one property may want to ask about flood insurance requirements before signing a lease.