Market Overview
Centreville is pricier ($600K median vs $560K), a difference of about $40K. Centreville moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Centreville
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$600K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
16 days
27 days
Price Range
$245K–$3.1M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Centre Ridge, Sully Station, Virginia Run, Little Rocky Run
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Centreville leads on school quality with a 84% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Centreville schools | See Stafford schools
Centreville
VA
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
84%
77%
Top Schools
Centreville High School, Westfield High School, Liberty Middle School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Centreville is closer to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Centreville (I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Centreville
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~40 min
~55 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, Rt 28, Rt 29
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $600K home in Centreville, you would pay ~$6,660/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $560K home costs ~$5,874/yr. Stafford has the lower rate at $1.049 per $100 of assessed value.
Centreville
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,660/yr
$5,874/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
None
Walkability
Centreville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 25 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Centreville (15) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Centre Ridge and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Centreville
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
8
Bike Score
28
18
Safety
Centreville is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 42% below Virginia average. Stafford is rated "Safe" (31% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Centreville
VA
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.7/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
9.1/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
42% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centreville or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $600K in Centreville. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Centreville prices range from $245K–$3.1M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Centreville or Stafford?
Centreville has stronger schools overall, with a 84% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Centreville include Centreville High School and Westfield High School. In Stafford, standout schools include North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. School quality varies by neighborhood, so check specific school zones when evaluating homes.
Which is easier to commute from, Centreville or Stafford?
Centreville has the shorter commute to downtown at ~40 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Centreville has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Centreville vs Stafford?
Centreville has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,660/yr on a $600K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
Is Centreville or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Centreville offers spacious homes and family-friendly neighborhoods at accessible price points. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. The best choice depends on your priorities: budget, school quality, commute length, and neighborhood feel. smover can help you find a verified agent in either city who specializes in family-friendly neighborhoods.
Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated March 2026.