Market Overview
Lorton is pricier ($610K median vs $560K), a difference of about $50K. Lorton moves faster, with homes averaging 15 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
Lorton
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$610K
$560K
Avg Days on Market
15 days
27 days
Price Range
$250K–$1.2M
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Lorton Station, Laurel Hill, Gunston, Newington
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Schools
Lorton leads on school quality with a 81% average pass rate (rated Strong) compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary School. In Stafford, families look to North Stafford High School and Mountain View High School. See Lorton schools | See Stafford schools
Lorton
VA
Stafford
VA
Quality Tier
Strong
Strong
Avg Pass Rate
81%
77%
Top Schools
South County High School, Hayfield Secondary School, Lorton Station Elementary
North Stafford High School, Mountain View High School, Stafford High School
Pass Rate
Commute
Lorton is closer to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Neither city has direct Metro access. Major highway access: Lorton (I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd), Stafford (I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610).
Lorton
VA
Stafford
VA
Drive to Downtown
~30 min
~55 min
Metro Stations
No Metro access
No Metro access
Metro Lines
N/A
N/A
Major Highways
I-95, Rt 1, Lorton Rd
I-95, Rt 1, Rt 610
Commuter Rail
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
VRE (Fredericksburg line)
Property Tax
On a $610K home in Lorton, you would pay ~$6,771/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.
Lorton
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$6,771/yr
$5,874/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
None
Walkability
Lorton is more walkable with a Walk Score of 18 (Almost All Errands Require a Car), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: Lorton (15) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Lorton Station and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
Lorton
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
15
8
Bike Score
20
18
Safety
Stafford is rated "Safe" with a total crime rate 31% below Virginia average. Lorton is rated "Safe" (33% below Virginia average). Both cities compare favorably to the Virginia state average. Crime rates vary by neighborhood, so check specific areas when house hunting.
Lorton
VA
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.8/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
10.5/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
33% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lorton or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $610K in Lorton. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Lorton prices range from $250K–$1.2M. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
Which has better schools, Lorton or Stafford?
Lorton has stronger schools overall, with a 81% average pass rate compared to 77% in Stafford. Top schools in Lorton include South County High School and Hayfield Secondary 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, Lorton or Stafford?
Lorton has the shorter commute to downtown at ~30 minutes vs ~55 minutes. Lorton has no direct Metro access. Stafford has no direct Metro access.
What are property taxes in Lorton vs Stafford?
Lorton has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$6,771/yr on a $610K 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 Lorton or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. Lorton is a revitalized community in southern Fairfax County, transformed by the Workhouse Arts Center and new residential development. 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.