Cost of Living in Lorton, VA

Population 21,961 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

192
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in Lorton run well above the national baseline, with a median of $584,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $136,719 place the city among the better-paid Virginia metros.

Geographically, Lorton sits roughly 11 miles southwest of Alexandria. Median home values run roughly 16% lower than Alexandria's $697,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 191
Rent 193

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Lorton

The median home value in Lorton is $583,900 — 91% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,537/month, 93% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $136,719/year is 83% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 67.8°F and lows of 50.9°F, with about 13.7" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lorton has a cost of living index of 192 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 92% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$583,900
91% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$650,501
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,537/mo
93% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,438/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$970
1 BR
$989
2 BR
$1,200
3 BR
$1,645
4 BR
$1,885
Owner-occupied 64.2%
Renter-occupied 35.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,537
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,151/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
34.4 min
27% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
22.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
57.9%
Carpooled
10.6%
Public transit
5.3%
Walked
2.5%
Work from home
22.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 5.6%
State rate 4.3%
Avg local rate 1.3%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$136,719
83% above avg
Per Capita Income
$51,549
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
6% above avg
Poverty Rate
9.5%
Labor Force Participation
70.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.9%
Graduate degree 24.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.9
Male median age 36.8
Female median age 37

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
67.8°F
Avg Low
50.9°F
Annual Precip
41.8"
Annual Snowfall
13.7"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 454857687785908881695849
Low °F 303239485868727164524235
Precip" 2.862.623.503.213.944.204.333.253.933.662.913.41
Snow" 4.95.02.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.11.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 46 — Good
59.5%
Good air days/yr
222
Max AQI recorded
216
PM2.5 days
130
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lorton, VA?

Lorton has a cost index of 192 (100 = national average). It is 92% above the national average.

What is average rent in Lorton, VA?

The median gross rent in Lorton is $2,537 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lorton?

The median home value in Lorton is $583,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lorton?

The median household income in Lorton is $136,719 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lorton, VA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lorton is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Lorton, VA affordable?

Lorton is above average in cost of living, with an index of 192 — about 92% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Lorton?

Lorton has average high temperatures of 67.8°F and average lows of 50.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.8". Average annual snowfall is 13.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lorton at a Glance

Population
21,961
Median Income
$136,719
Home Value
$583,900
Median Rent
$2,537/mo
Unemployment
5.1%
Avg High Temp
67.8°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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