The latest county demographics report is now available, which takes a deep dive into data about our area including population, household and housing unit estimates.
Population Growth Rebounds
The county's population increased to 1,185,980, indicating a 1.1% increase from 2022, mirroring pre-pandemic growth rates.
The Census Bureau Vintage 2023 Population Estimates indicate that Fairfax County experienced a recovery in international inflow for the second consecutive year post-COVID-19, along with a slowdown in domestic outflow for the first time since 2018. The county’s population is forecasted to reach 1,380,000 by 2050, representing a 16% increase from today.
Housing Growth Recovers from Pandemic Slowdown
In 2023, Fairfax County's housing inventory reached 432,550 units, reflecting an increase of 1.4% compared to 2022. The addition of 6,138 new units across various housing types marks the most substantial annual increase in the past decade, indicating a strong rebound from the housing growth deceleration observed during COVID-19. Notably, the housing growth observed in the past three years (2021 - 2023) has exceeded the growth seen in the three years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic (2018 - 2020).
The county's proportion of townhomes and multifamily housing units reached a historic high since data was available in 1950. In future projections, housing forecasts indicate that by 2050, Fairfax County expects to reach 520,000 housing units, with every 10 units consisting of 4 single-family units, 2 townhomes and 4 multifamily housing units.
While there have been fluctuations over the years, the general trend is that Fairfax County continues to experience steady housing growth, particularly in multifamily housing units and townhomes.
Housing Market Value Trends Upward, Yet Slows
In 2023, the county’s median market value of owned housing units reached $691,564, reflecting a 6.7% increase from 2022. While still notable, this growth represents a slowdown compared to the prior year’s 10.9% increase. Single-family units have the largest increase (up 8.1%), and among Supervisor Districts, the Dranesville District experienced the highest increase (up 10.4%).
According to the latest 2022 Rental Housing Complex Analysis report, the average monthly rent rose by 2.3% from $1,913 in 2021 to $1,958 in 2022.
Household Incomes Increase
According to the Census Bureau 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-Year estimates, Fairfax County’s Median Household Income was $145,164, an 8.2% increase from 2021. In 2022, Fairfax County’s median household income nearly doubled the national median ($74,755) and was over 1.5 times the state median ($85,873).
While improving, poverty still exists. The Census Bureau 2022 1-Year ACS shows that 5.6% of individuals (more than 62,800) are below the poverty line, representing a decrease in the overall poverty rate from 2021’s 7.1%. Those below the poverty line include 5.6% of children (i.e., under 18 years) and 5.7% of seniors (i.e., 65 and over).
More Demographics to Explore
The Economic, Demographic, and Statistical Research unit of the Department of Management and Budget conducts quantitative research to support the goals and initiatives of Fairfax County. The team produces small-area economic and demographic estimates and forecasts for the county on an annual basis, as well as conducting special studies and research. This data is then used for program planning, policy initiatives, revenue forecasting, budgeting, etc. To learn more and to see additional reports, visit the demographics webpage.
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