Elections

Lexington City, VA, has about 5,300 registered voters as of 2023. Voters participate in local (city council, school board), state, and federal elections; the 2020 presidential turnout was approximately 77%. Polling is held at the Rockbridge Area Relief Association building. The city leans Democratic: in 2020, Biden received 65% of the vote. Election issues include education funding and infrastructure. Voter registration and administration are handled by the Lexington General Registrar. The main parties are Democratic and Republican, with occasional independent candidates.

County Crime & Safety

Lexington City County, VA, reports relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the violent crime rate is about 2.3 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at approximately 10.5 per 1,000 residents. The city’s police department maintains transparent reporting, contributing to effective community policing. In 2023, total reported crimes were below 100 cases, and residents generally consider the area safe. Continual investment in local safety programs has helped maintain a positive security environment.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Lexington city county, VA, had a population of 7,320. The median age was around 22.8, reflecting the presence of local colleges. About 54% were male and 46% female. Racially, 81.1% identified as White, 9.6% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino (any race), and 2.9% other or mixed races. The city exhibits a diverse, youthful demographic profile.

Education, Employment and Housing

Lexington City County, VA, serves around 950 students across 2 public schools, including Rockbridge County High School. Approximately 93% of adults hold a high school diploma and 56% have a bachelor’s degree or higher, surpassing state averages. Public schools earn an average GreatSchools rating of 7/10. School safety incidents are notably low, with robust anti-bullying and emergency preparedness programs in place. The county also offers adult education and career readiness initiatives through partnerships with local colleges, enhancing lifelong learning and workforce skills.

As of 2022, Lexington City County, VA had an employment rate of approximately 53.6%, with around 3,100 employed residents. Top industries include educational services (39.9%), accommodation and food services (13.6%), and health care (10.2%). Leading occupations are in education, management, and sales. About 71% of workers commute outside the city, with an average commute time of 17.5 minutes. Major employment locations include Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute.

Lexington City County, VA, features a median home value around $297,000 and a median rent of approximately $1,250/month. Homeownership rates are about 41%, with the remainder renting, reflecting the area’s strong student and faculty presence due to Washington and Lee University and VMI. Housing types range from historic single-family homes to newer townhouses and apartments across neighborhoods like Downtown, Providence Hill, and Diamond Hill. Property values have risen roughly 7% year-over-year. Property taxes are relatively low, with an average effective rate of 0.77%. The mix of architecture and scenic views attract both residents and investors.