Arlington Fast Facts

Arlington is a world-class community and tourist destination located just five miles from the heart of the nation’s capital. It’s the geographically smallest self-governing county in the U.S., occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest award for Smart Growth in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world — including the Pentagon — Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business. For current demographic information, see the Arlington County Profile.

History

• March 13, 1847: Established as Alexandria County.
• March 16, 1920: The name was changed to Arlington County.
• In 1791, Arlington was originally part of a 10-mile square surveyed for the nation’s capital.
• In 1846, the U.S. Congress returned a portion of the District of Columbia on the west bank of the Potomac River to the Commonwealth of Virginia, in response to requests from local residents.
• In 1922, a decision by the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals declared Arlington a “continuous, contiguous and homogeneous community.” As a result, there are no incorporated towns or cities within Arlington’s boundaries.
• The County was named for the estate where George Washington Parke Custis lived before he built the house currently known as Arlington House in Arlington National Cemetery.

Location and Highlights

• Arlington, Virginia is an urban county located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
• Land area: 25.8 square miles
• Highest point: 461 feet above sea level
• Eleven of the 86 stations in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Metrorail system are located in Arlington.
• The Rosslyn Metro station in Arlington features one of the longest continuous escalators in the world (194 feet, 8 inches). It takes 140 seconds to ride from top to bottom.
• Arlington’s 2024 property tax base is approximately divided between 44 percent commercial and 56 percent residential properties.

Population and Demographics

• Estimated population as of January 1, 2025: 243,760 (CPHD estimate)
• 2020 Census Population: 238,643
• Population forecast for 2050: 308,600
• Population Density: 9,375 persons per square mile
• About 41.1 percent of Arlington’s population are Person's of Color.
• About 31.5 percent of Arlington households speak a language other than English at home.

Community Resources and Amenities

• Arlington has 62 registered civic and citizen associations, dozens of commissions, and more than 178 community service organizations.
• Arlington is home to the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery.
• Arlington has many recreational and other community amenities including:
  • 53.3 miles of multi-use off-street trails
  • 164 county owned and maintained parks
  • 13 community centers
  • 86 basketball courts, 86 tennis courts, and 12 volleyball courts
  • Eight libraries
  • Nine fire stations
  • 645 restaurants

Education

• 77.1% of Arlington’s population 25+ has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Arlington Public School's graduates continuing education rate is 86 percent.
• 27,900 students are enrolled in Arlington County Public Schools (September 2024).

County Government

• County Vision: Arlington will be a diverse and inclusive world-class urban community with secure, attractive residential and commercial neighborhoods where people unite to form a caring, learning, participating, sustainable community in which each person is important.
• In 1932, Arlington became the first County in the U.S. to operate under the “manager” form of government, which continues today.
• The County Board, Arlington’s legislative body, is composed of five members elected at large. The Board appoints the County Manager and a variety of citizen boards, commissions and advisory groups to help develop and implement County policies.
• The County Board encourages a high level of citizen involvement in local government, especially in developing planning policy.