Fairfax, Va
Fairfax, Virginia, officially known as the City of Fairfax, is an independent city located in Northern Virginia, approximately 17 miles west of Washington, D.C. The city’s coordinates are 38.8462° N latitude and 77.3064° W longitude. Fairfax is surrounded by Fairfax County and serves as a major hub for government, education, and commerce in the region. The primary zip codes for Fairfax are 22030, 22031, 22032, 22033, and 22034, with some areas also using 22035 and 22036 for government and business addresses.
The city covers a land area of approximately 6.3 square miles (16.3 km²) and has an estimated population of 24,146 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. The greater Fairfax area, including nearby unincorporated communities, is home to more than 240,000 residents. The racial and ethnic composition of the city is approximately 61% White, 15% Asian, 8% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, and 15% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The median household income in Fairfax is around $116,000, and the city boasts a college-educated population, with more than 60% of residents aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median age is 39 years, and about 24% of the population is under 18.
Fairfax is divided into several well-known neighborhoods and districts, including Old Town Fairfax (the historic downtown area), Mosby Woods, Country Club Hills, Fairchester, Green Acres, Layton Hall, Farrcroft, and Cobbdale. Surrounding communities such as Fairfax Station, Mantua, Oakton, and Merrifield are closely associated with Fairfax’s cultural and economic life. The city is the seat of Fairfax County and is home to George Mason University, the largest public research university in Virginia, with a student population of over 38,000.
Major employers in Fairfax include the City of Fairfax government, Fairfax County Public Schools, George Mason University, Inova Health System, and numerous technology and consulting firms. The city is also a retail and service hub, with major shopping centers such as Fairfax Corner, Fair Oaks Mall, and the Mosaic District nearby.
Fairfax is known for its historic sites, including the Fairfax Courthouse (built in 1800), Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House, and Blenheim Estate. The city hosts annual events such as the Fairfax Civil War Day, Fall Festival, and the Independence Day Parade, which attract visitors from across the region. Transportation is facilitated by major highways, including I-66, US Route 50, and US Route 29, as well as the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro station on the Washington Metro’s Orange Line.
Public safety is provided by the City of Fairfax Police and Fire Departments. The city features over 220 acres of parks and open space, including Daniels Run Park and Van Dyck Park. Fairfax’s robust public school system is served by the Fairfax County Public Schools district, consistently ranked among the best in the nation. The city is characterized by a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with a median home value of about $630,000 as of 2023.
Fairfax’s blend of historic charm, diverse demographics, excellent schools, and strong economy make it one of the most desirable places to live in Northern Virginia.
