Wealth Index
Among the top 3 wealthiest counties in Virginia
The wealth index reflects the overall economic prosperity and financial well-being of a county's residents based on income levels, employment rates, and income inequality metrics.
Income Statistics Overview
| Metric | Arlington County | Virginia Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $139,236 | $91,409 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $110,737 | $68,517 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 3.4% | 4.6% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 39.0% | 17.6% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Arlington County is about 52% higher than in Virginia. Income has been growing slower in Arlington County (3.4%/yr) than in Virginia (4.6%/yr).
About 39% of adults in Arlington County earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, higher than the Virginia average of 18%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in Arlington County, Virginia grew by 48.1% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $139,236 in 2023. That's an average of about 3.4% per year.
Economic Inequality in Arlington County | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Arlington County | Virginia Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.472 | 0.565 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $116,022 | $76,014 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $103,325 | $60,748 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 10.9% | 20.1% | 19.1% |
The Gini coefficient measures how evenly income is shared between richer and poorer households, from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns nearly everything). The lower the number, the more equally income is distributed. In Arlington County, it is 0.472, lower than Virginia's 0.565, so income is more evenly distributed here than there, and lower than the US's 0.570, so income is more evenly distributed here than there.
Men's income is about 12% more than women's income in Arlington County, Virginia. Over a 35-year career, a 12% wage gap accumulates to roughly $444,395 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Arlington County, Virginia has narrowed from about 15% to 11% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $1,797 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Arlington County | Virginia Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% | 4.2% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 31.5% | 16.2% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 26 | 23 | 22 |
Approximately 4,913 people are unemployed in Arlington County, Virginia.
The average commute time in Arlington County is 26 minutes, longer than the 23 minutes in Virginia.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Arlington County, Virginia has fallen from 3.3% to 3.2% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Arlington County, Virginia has an overall wealth index grade of A+, making it far better than Virginia, and far better than the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Arlington County, Virginia.
How Wealthy Is Arlington County, Virginia?
Arlington County has a wealth index grade of A+. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; an A+ grade means it is one of the most prosperous areas in the country. The median household income is $139,236, about 52% higher than the Virginia average of $91,409.
What is the current median household income in Arlington County, Virginia?
As of 2023, the median household income in Arlington County, Virginia is $139,236.
What was the median household income in Arlington County in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Arlington County, Virginia was $139,236.
What was the median household income in Arlington County in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Arlington County, Virginia was $122,642.
What is the Gini coefficient in Arlington County, Virginia?
The Gini coefficient in Arlington County is 0.472. It measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns everything). That is lower than the US average of 0.570, so income is distributed more equally than in the country overall.
How has the income gap between men and women changed in Arlington County, Virginia?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Arlington County, Virginia has narrowed from about 15% to 11% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $1,797 since 2009.