Alexandria has the sixth-highest per capital wealth in Virginia, according to a new study from SmartAsset.
The study measured the amount of investment income being generated in each county, in addition to the per capita income and median home value to find the wealthiest places.
Those who were lucky enough to purchase a home in Alexandria before the pandemic — when prices and interest rates were lower — have seen significant gains in home equity. In addition, some residents were able to invest pandemic savings to boost their net worth.
Despite the wealth, however, Alexandria does have a significant number of residents who are struggling to make ends meet, particularly with inflation affecting household budgets the past two years. More than half of students in Alexandria City Public Schools are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
Nationwide, the four wealthiest counties or independent cities in the United States are in California near San Francisco. The City of Falls Church ranks 8th nationwide in SmartAsset's Overall Wealth Index, boosted by high per capita income.
