Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Arlington

Affordability in Arlington, VA

Arlington's median asking rent is $2,322 per month and the median household income is $142,114 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024). About 59% of Arlington households rent, reflecting strong demand for rental housing in the area.

Lease Lantern tracks 17 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Arlington, offering a combined 1,126 units at rents tied to income limits rather than market rates -- an important resource given the city's high cost of housing.

Safety

Arlington County does not have a separate city police department; public safety is provided by the Arlington County Police Department, whose reported crime data is not available in our current dataset. For the most up-to-date local crime information, visit the Arlington County Police Department website or the FBI Crime Data Explorer. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across jurisdictions due to differences in reporting methods and local definitions.

Getting Around Arlington

According to Walk Score, the area around Arlington's assisted properties scores 87 (Very Walkable), 58 for Transit (Good Transit), and 85 for Biking. These scores reflect conditions near the assisted housing locations specifically, not the city as a whole.

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 42 public schools serve Arlington across 1 district, including 26 elementary, 6 middle, 4 high, and 6 other schools. Quality and programs vary by school, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

Cost of Living

Arlington is one of the more expensive rental markets in the Washington, D.C. metro area. According to Census ACS 5-Year data (as of 2024), the median household income in Arlington is $142,114 per year, and the median asking rent is $2,322 per month.

HUD-assisted, Section 8, and LIHTC properties offer income-restricted rents that are significantly below the local market rate, making them a critical resource for renters who cannot afford prevailing prices in Arlington.

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 17 affordable housing properties in Arlington were mapped for flood risk, and none fall within a high-risk flood zone. Flood exposure is not a significant concern for HUD-assisted renters in this city.