City Comparison

Leesburg vs Stafford: How they compare

Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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

Leesburg's median sold price is $805K with homes averaging 27 days on market; Stafford is at $545K and 36 days (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Leesburg is pricier ($805K median vs $545K), a difference of about $260K. Leesburg moves faster, with homes averaging 27 days on market compared to 36 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.

Leesburg

VA

Stafford

VA

Median Sold Price

12 months through Jul 2026

$805K

$545K

Avg Days on Market

12 months through Jul 2026

27 days

36 days

Price Range

$150K–$5.8M

$108K–$1.3M

Notable Neighborhoods

Lansdowne, Raspberry Falls, Beacon Hill, Edwards Ferry Road

Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek

Schools

Leesburg has a 88% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage High School; in Stafford, North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Leesburg schools | See Stafford schools

Leesburg

VA

Stafford

VA

Avg Pass Rate

88%

77%

Public schools

Tuscarora High School, Heritage High School, Smart's Mill Middle School

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

Pass Rate

88%
77%

Commute

Leesburg is closer to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Leesburg (Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).

Leesburg

VA

Stafford

VA

Drive to Downtown

~50 min

~55 min

Metro Stations

No Metro access

No Metro access

Metro Lines

N/A

N/A

Major Highways

Rt 7, Rt 15, Dulles Greenway

I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610

Commuter Rail

None

VRE (Fredericksburg line)

Property Tax

On a $805K home in Leesburg, you would pay ~$7,004/yr in property tax. In Stafford, a $545K home costs ~$5,717/yr. Leesburg has the lower rate at $0.870 per $100 of assessed value.

Leesburg

VA

Stafford

VA

Rate per $100

$0.870

$1.049

Est. Annual Tax

Based on median home price

$7,004/yr

$5,717/yr

Notes

Loudoun County rate; Town of Leesburg adds $0.165

None

Walkability

Leesburg is more walkable with a Walk Score of 38 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Leesburg (10) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lansdowne and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.

Leesburg

VA

Stafford

VA

Walk Score

38Car-Dependent
15Almost All Errands Require a Car

Transit Score

10

8

Bike Score

42

18

Safety

Leesburg is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 51% 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.

Leesburg

VA

Stafford

VA

Safety Rating

Very Safe
Safe

Violent Crime

0.5/1K

0.9/1K

Property Crime

7.8/1K

10.8/1K

vs Virginia Avg

51% below Virginia average

31% below Virginia average

VA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leesburg or Stafford more affordable?

Stafford is more affordable with a median sold price of $545K, compared to $805K in Leesburg (12-month settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026). Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Leesburg prices range from $150K–$5.8M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.

What are the public-school pass rates in Leesburg and Stafford?

Leesburg public schools have a 88% average SOL pass rate; Stafford has 77% (2024 state assessment data). Public schools in Leesburg include Tuscarora High School and Heritage 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, Leesburg or Stafford?

Leesburg has the shorter commute to downtown at ~50 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Leesburg has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.

What are property taxes in Leesburg vs Stafford?

Leesburg has a property tax rate of $0.870 per $100 (~$7,004/yr on a $805K home). Stafford's rate is $1.049 per $100 (~$5,717/yr on a $545K home). Tax rates are set annually by each locality.

How do Leesburg and Stafford compare?

Leesburg blends colonial history with modern amenities. 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.

Median sold prices and days on market are 12-month aggregates of settled sales in smover's records, through Jul 2026. 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 August 2026.

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Leesburg vs Stafford: Median $805K vs $545K (2026) | smover