Market Overview
Fairfax is pricier ($640K median vs $560K), a difference of about $80K. Fairfax moves faster, with homes averaging 14 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Fairfax
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$640K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
14 days
27 days
Price Range
$350K–$1.5M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Mantua, Cobbdale, Greenbriar, Country Club Hills
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Fairfax has a 87% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Fairfax schools | See Stafford schools
Fairfax
VA
Stafford
VA
Avg Pass Rate
87%
77%
Public schools
Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech, Langley High School, McLean High School
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Fairfax is closer to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Fairfax has 2 Metro stations, including Vienna/Fairfax-GMU on the Orange line. Major highway access: Fairfax (I-66, I-495, Rt 50), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Fairfax
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~35 min
~55 min
Metro Stations
2 Metro stations (nearest: Vienna/Fairfax-GMU)
No Metro access
Metro Lines
Orange
N/A
Major Highways
I-66, I-495, Rt 50, Rt 29
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
None
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $640K home in Fairfax, you would pay ~$7,104/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.
Fairfax
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$7,104/yr
$5,874/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate; City of Fairfax is $1.075
None
Walkability
Fairfax is more walkable with a Walk Score of 35 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Fairfax (28) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Mantua and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Fairfax
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
28
8
Bike Score
42
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% below Virginia average. Fairfax is rated "Safe" (35% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Fairfax
VA
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
10.2/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
35% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfax or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $640K in Fairfax. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Fairfax prices range from $350K–$1.5M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are the public-school pass rates in Fairfax and Stafford?
Fairfax public schools have a 87% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Fairfax include Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Tech and Langley High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. Pass rates reflect district-wide assessment results; check the specific assigned schools for any address.
Which is easier to commute from, Fairfax or Stafford?
Fairfax has the shorter commute to downtown at ~35 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Fairfax has Metro access (Vienna/Fairfax-GMU). Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Fairfax vs Stafford?
Fairfax has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$7,104/yr on a $640K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,874/yr on a $560K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.
How do Fairfax and Stafford compare?
Fairfax combines public schools, diverse dining, and easy access to major employers. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.
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 July 2026.