Alexandria Population Trends

Below are some interesting facts about Alexandria population trends, its growth, the real estate market, and demographics. The takeaway? It’s a great time to live and own a home in our city!

POPULATION

• Alexandria is the sixth largest city in Virginia (following Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, and Newport News).
• In 1900, just 14,528 people lived in Alexandria.
• Its population has not been below 100,000 since 1960.
• Alexandria has added 48,852 residents since 1990, a 44 percent increase.
• The only decline (nearly seven percent) in its population was between 1970 and 1980. Metro opened in Alexandria in 1983 which seemed to stop the exodus and turned things around.
• 2010 to 2011 saw a large growth spurt as did 2015 to 2016. This growth is most likely attributed to several new housing developments in Alexandria, namely, those in the Carlyle area, along Eisenhower Avenue, and the Route 1 corridor.

REAL ESTATE

• World Population Review reports that 43.1 percent of Alexandrians own their homes while 56.9 percent rent.
• The 2018 average home sales price in Alexandria was $529,409, a 3.7 percent increase over 2017.
• In terms of total real estate sales volume, Alexandria enjoyed a 7.9 percent increase in 2018 as compared to the previous year.
• The redevelopment of underused Alexandria lots (such as Potomac Yard) has helped to spur this growth.

AGE

• The median age of an Alexandria resident is 36.2 (compared to 33.8 In DC, 34.1 in Arlington County and 37.6 in Fairfax County).
• The largest group of residents is 35-54 year-olds (32 percent of the population), followed by 25-34 year-olds (23 percent). Just ten percent of Alexandrians are 65 or older.

EDUCATION, INCOME, AND JOBS

• 29 percent of Alexandrians have a bachelor’s degree; another third have a graduate or professional degree.
• Alexandria’s median household income is $89,200 ($72.935 compared to in DC, $108,706 in Arlington, and $114,329 in Fairfax County).
• The top three industries that employ Alexandrians are professional, scientific or professional services (18.3 percent – lawyer, doctor, etc); public service (15.8 percent), and healthcare (9.2 percent)
• The three largest employers in Alexandria are the Department of Commerce, Alexandria City Public Schools, and the Department of Defense.

What Does the Future Hold?

We expect that with the arrival of Amazon’s HQ2 in nearby National Landing, Alexandria will continue its growth trend. The median household income should also rise. With a limited housing supply, the increased demand created by Amazon employees will continue to drive up housing prices and home values.

If you’re looking to make a move in or out of Alexandria, please reach out. With more than 25 years of local experience, we know this city better than any other Realtor or team.

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