Living in Virginia

#18 in population growth

Should you move to Virginia?

Virginia, the Old Dominion State, is a place of deep history, diverse landscapes, and thriving tech and defense sectors. Known for its role in the birth of America, its beaches, mountains, and urban centers, Virginia offers a lifestyle that can suit just about anyone.

Virginia’s economy is strong, bolstered by sectors such as defense, technology, and agriculture. Its major cities, like Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Arlington, offer unique vibes from the modern and sophisticated to the coastal and laid-back.

Living in Virginia provides a range of experiences. From exploring the historic landmarks of Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg, lounging on the sands of Virginia Beach, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or enjoying the vibrant food scene in Richmond, Virginia shines in its variety. Education is top-notch, with highly ranked public schools and respected universities like the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.

If you’re looking for a state that offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and economic opportunities, Virginia could be your perfect fit. Just be prepared for varying climates across the state and a deep-seated love for college sports!

#12 in population

Population

8,683,619

National Avg 6,652,315

#37 in population

Population Per Square Mile

219

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

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How Does Virginia Score?

C
Home Affordability
C
Cost of Living
B
Diversity

LEARN ABOUT
RANKINGS & DATA

Metropolitans

Living in Virginia

Climate

How Does Virginia Compare?

#24
in Sunny Days
#23
in Annual Rainfall
#31
in Daytime Humidity

Healthcare

#20

How Does Virginia Compare?

#20
in Healthcare
#14
in Available Beds
#25
in Doctors Per Resident

3

Children's Hospitals

3

VA Medical Centers

18

VA Clinics

Virginia Marijuana Laws

Cost of Living

#29

How Does Virginia Compare?

#29
in Cost of Living
#18
in Minimum Hourly Wage
#43
in Living Wage

Virginia State Taxes

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Essential New Mover Steps

What costs and challenges will you face when relocating to Virginia? Start your journey by preparing with these key steps.

eMortgage connects you with up to 5 competing mortgage lenders through a quick, streamlined process.

Renter tested. Landlord approved. Starting from $5/mo.

Moving costs can add up quickly. Start budgeting by tackling one of your largest costs first by requesting a free online quote from 1-800-Pack-Rat.

Education in Virginia

#15

Virginia School Districts

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #9 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

65%

Proficient or Above

31%

Ranked #18 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

69%

Proficient or Above

31%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
90.8%
Bachelors Degree
40.3%

Raising a Family?

See if any of these family-friendly places are a fit for yours.

Places (Cities & Towns)

Get to Know Virginia

State Capital

Richmond

Area Codes

276, 434, 540, 571, 703, 757, 804, 826, 948

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone

Number of Counties

95

Land Area (square miles)

39,482

Motto

Sic semper tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants)

State Bird

Cardinal

Housing

#34
#34 in home affordability

Median Home Value

$329,200

National $440,300

#42 in rent affordability

Median Rent

$1,326

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$501

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Total Households

3,248,528

Persons Per Household

2.57

Rent vs Own

Own 66.6%
Rent 33.4%

Economy

#9 in household income

Median Household Income

80,615

National $70,784

#20 in labor participation
% in Labor Force
64.1%
Poverty Rate
10.2%

Industries by Revenue

in $1,000s

Health & Social Assistance Revenue

$58,792,475

Accomodations & Food Revenue

$22,074,703

Transportation & Warehousing Revenue

$20,071,064

Per Capita Retail Sales

14,185

Counties

Diversity

#14
White alone
68.5%
Black or African American alone
20%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
0.6%
Asian alone
7.3%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
0.1%
Two or More Races
3.4%
Hispanic or Latino
10.5%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
59.8%

Foreign Born Persons

12.5%

Veterans

671519

Persons Under 5 years
5.6%
Persons Under 18 years
21.5%
Persons 65 years and over
16.9%

Is Diversity essential?

Find culture and diversity in the Most Diverse Places in the US.

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