IncomeBy County

Arlington County, Virginia

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
+87% vs. Virginia average
$140,160
Median Household Income
$88,024
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$140,160
+87% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$88,024
+123% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
16.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Virginia
#4 / 133
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Arlington County Compares

Arlington County$140,160
Virginia Average$74,957
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$140,160
Median Household Income
$88,024
Per Capita Income
$864,800
Median Home Value
16.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Arlington County

Income Verdict

Arlington County has a median household income of $140,160 and per capita income of $88,024 — a gap of $52,136, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $2,275/month and a median household income of $140,160, rent consumes approximately 19.5% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

The median household income of $140,160 places Arlington County in a high-earning tier, supporting strong purchasing power and above-average consumer spending. Per capita income of $88,024 reflects a relatively affluent population with substantial individual earning capacity.

Neighbor Context

Arlington County earns approximately 87% above the Virginia state median household income of $74,957, positioning it favorably within the state.

Data Story

About Household Income in Arlington County, Virginia

Arlington ranks among America's wealthiest counties

Arlington County's median household income of $140,160 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by about 88%, placing the county in the very top income tier across the United States. Households here earn roughly $65,405 more annually than the typical American family.

Virginia's wealthiest county by income

Arlington ranks as the highest-income county in Virginia, with median household income 87% above the state average of $74,957. The county's per capita income of $88,024 is 125% higher than Virginia's state average of $39,155.

Arlington leads the D.C. region income hierarchy

Arlington's $140,160 median income substantially exceeds nearby Alexandria ($113,638) and other Northern Virginia counties. This supremacy reflects Arlington's concentration of federal workers, defense contractors, and highly-paid professionals drawn to the Washington metro area.

High income is essential for expensive housing

Arlington's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% shows housing still claims nearly one-fifth of income, despite premium earnings. The median home value of $864,800 is among the nation's highest, requiring Arlington's substantial incomes to remain affordable.

Maximize wealth-building strategies for high earners

Arlington's elite incomes position households to maximize retirement contributions (401k, backdoor Roth), build diversified investment portfolios, and create generational wealth. Partnering with a sophisticated financial advisor on tax optimization and estate planning can preserve and multiply your income advantage significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Arlington County, Virginia?
The median household income in Arlington County, Virginia is $140,160, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Arlington County?
The per capita income in Arlington County is $88,024, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $140,160.
How does Arlington County compare to the Virginia average?
Arlington County's median household income of $140,160 is higher than the Virginia state average of $74,957. The per capita income is $88,024, compared to the state average of $39,155.
What is the per capita income in Arlington County, Virginia?
The per capita income in Arlington County, Virginia is $88,024, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Why is Arlington County income higher than the Virginia average?
Arlington County's median household income of $140,160 is higher than the Virginia average of $74,957. This difference of $65,203 can be attributed to factors such as local industry mix, proximity to major employment centers, educational attainment levels, and cost of living. Counties with higher incomes often have a greater concentration of professional and technical occupations.
How does Arlington County rank for income in Virginia?
Arlington County ranks #4 out of 133 counties in Virginia by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $140,160 and per capita income of $88,024, it falls in the top third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Arlington County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Arlington County median

County median: $140,160 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

+87%

vs. National Median

+87%

vs. Arlington County MedianAbout equal
vs. Virginia Average▲ 87% above
vs. National Median▲ 87% above

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.1x

Your monthly income ($11,680) vs. median rent ($2,275/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

Sponsored

Grow Your Wealth

See how your income stacks up in Arlington County, Virginia? Start investing smarter with a robo-advisor that builds a diversified portfolio for you.

WealthfrontBetterment
Start Investing

Counties with Similar Income Levels

Hunterdon County
New Jersey
$139,453
-1%
San Francisco County
California
$141,446
+1%
Forsyth County
Georgia
$138,000
-2%
Marin County
California
$142,785
+2%
Los Alamos County
New Mexico
$143,188
+2%
Summit County
Utah
$137,058
-2%
Sponsored

Compare Financial Products in Virginia

Compare savings accounts, CDs, and money market rates from top banks to make the most of your earnings.

Compare Rates
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

Explore more data for this county

Property TaxCost of LivingCrime RateHealthSchoolsRiskWaterWeatherCounty Score