City Comparison

Henrico vs Stafford: Which is right for your family?

Henrico County is a major Richmond suburb offering diverse neighborhoods from the urban-adjacent West End to the rural eastern reaches. Stafford County offers affordable homes and a growing community south of the D. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Stafford is pricier ($560K median vs $370K), a difference of about $190K. Henrico moves faster, with homes averaging 16 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Henrico offers a lower entry point at $150K–$1.2M.

Henrico

VA

Stafford

VA

Median Price

$370K

$560K

Avg Days on Market

16 days

27 days

Price Range

$150K–$1.2M

$108K–$1.3M

Top Neighborhoods

Short Pump, Glen Allen, West End, Innsbrook

Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek

Schools

Henrico leads on school quality with a 78% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Henrico include Deep Run High School and Glen Allen High School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Henrico schools | See Stafford schools

Henrico

VA

Stafford

VA

Quality Tier

Strong

Strong

Avg Pass Rate

78%

77%

Top Schools

Deep Run High School, Glen Allen High School, Mills Godwin High School

North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School

Pass Rate

78%
77%

Commute

Henrico is closer to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Henrico (I-64, I-95, I-295), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).

Henrico

VA

Stafford

VA

Drive to Downtown

~15 min

~55 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

I-64, I-95, I-295, Rt 250, Rt 33

I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610

Commuter Rail

None

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

VA

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VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Henrico or Stafford more affordable?

Henrico is more affordable with a median home price of $370K, compared to $560K in Stafford. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Henrico prices range from $150K–$1.2M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.

Which has better schools, Henrico or Stafford?

Henrico has stronger schools overall, with a 78% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Henrico include Deep Run High School and Glen Allen 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, Henrico or Stafford?

Henrico has the shorter commute to downtown at ~15 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Henrico has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.

Is Henrico or Stafford better for families?

Both cities are popular with families. Henrico County is a major Richmond suburb offering diverse neighborhoods from the urban-adjacent West End to the rural eastern reaches. 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.