Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Fairfax

Affordability

Fairfax has a median household income of $132,348 and a median asking rent of $2,245 per month, reflecting a high-cost housing market where income-restricted units can offer meaningful savings (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024). About 30% of residents rent their homes, meaning affordable rental options are in strong demand across a predominantly owner-occupied city (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024).

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Fairfax City Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 129 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Note that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting methods and local definitions.

Among the 6 HUD-assisted properties in Fairfax with flood risk data, none are located in a high-risk flood zone.

Getting Around Fairfax

The area around assisted properties in Fairfax scores a 43 (Car-Dependent) for walkability, 40 (Some Transit) for transit, and 43 for bikeability, according to Walk Score. Most errands will require a car, though some transit options are available.

Schools

According to the NCES Common Core of Data, 27 schools across 3 districts serve Fairfax, including 18 elementary, 2 middle, 4 high schools, and 3 categorized as other levels. Ratings and programs vary by school, so renters should look up the assigned schools for any specific address they are considering.

Cost of Living in Fairfax, VA

Fairfax is one of the higher-cost rental markets in Northern Virginia. The median household income is $132,348 and the median monthly rent is $2,245, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate (as of 2024). Subsidized housing can make a significant difference for renters whose incomes fall well below that median.

About 30% of Fairfax households rent their homes, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate (as of 2024), meaning income-restricted units are in high demand relative to the overall rental pool.

• Median household income: $132,348 (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
• Median monthly rent (all rentals): $2,245 (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
• Share of households that rent: 30% (Census ACS 5-Year, 2024)
• Affordable/income-based units tracked on Lease Lantern: 321 units across 6 properties

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 6 affordable housing properties in Fairfax have been mapped for flood risk. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, which is a low level of flood exposure for residents across these buildings.