Market Overview
McLean is pricier ($1.4M median vs $560K), a difference of about $840K. McLean moves faster, with homes averaging 18 days on market compared to 27 in Stafford. Stafford offers a lower entry point at $108K–$1.3M.
McLean
VA
Stafford
VA
Median Price
$1.4M
$560K
Avg Days on Market
18 days
27 days
Price Range
$700K–$5M+
$108K–$1.3M
Top Neighborhoods
Langley Farms, Chain Bridge Forest, Broyhill Langley Estates, McLean Hamlet
Aquia Harbour, Stafford Lakes, Embrey Mill, Winding Creek
Property Tax
On a $1.4M home in McLean, you would pay ~$15,540/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.
McLean
VA
Stafford
VA
Rate per $100
$1.110
$1.049
Est. Annual Tax
Based on median home price
$15,540/yr
$5,874/yr
Notes
Fairfax County rate
None
Walkability
McLean is more walkable with a Walk Score of 28 (Car-Dependent), compared to 15 in Stafford. Transit scores: McLean (22) vs Stafford (8). Walkability varies significantly by neighborhood. Urban corridors like Langley Farms and Aquia Harbour score much higher than suburban areas.
McLean
VA
Stafford
VA
Walk Score
Transit Score
22
8
Bike Score
32
18
Safety
McLean is rated "Very Safe" with a total crime rate 60% 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.
McLean
VA
Stafford
VA
Safety Rating
Violent Crime
0.3/1K
0.9/1K
Property Crime
6.5/1K
10.8/1K
vs Virginia Avg
60% below Virginia average
31% below Virginia average
VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is McLean or Stafford more affordable?
Stafford is more affordable with a median home price of $560K, compared to $1.4M in McLean. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. McLean prices range from $700K–$5M+. Stafford prices range from $108K–$1.3M.
What are property taxes in McLean vs Stafford?
McLean has a property tax rate of $1.110 per $100 (~$15,540/yr on a $1.4M 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 McLean or Stafford better for families?
Both cities are popular with families. McLean is synonymous with luxury living in Northern Virginia. 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.