History & Growth of Leesburg, Virginia
Leesburg, Virginia is known for its charming small-town atmosphere and rich history. The town was founded in 1758 and named for Thomas Lee, a prominent Virginia politician of the time. Leesburg has grown significantly over the years, with a population of around 50,000 people today. Major industry sectors in Leesburg and the surrounding area include technology, healthcare, and retail, as well as agriculture and winemaking in the surrounding countryside.
Major Attractions and Area Surrounding Leesburg, Virginia
The nearest big city to Leesburg, Virginia is Washington, D.C., which is approximately 30 miles away. This proximity to the nation's capital provides numerous benefits for residents of Leesburg, including access to cultural attractions, major employment centers, and international airports.
Major attractions and destinations in Leesburg and the surrounding area include:
- Thomas Balch Library: This historic library is a popular destination for researchers and history buffs, and offers a wealth of resources on local and regional history.
- Oatlands Plantation: This antebellum plantation is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and offers guided tours, events, and a variety of educational programs.
- Loudoun County Wine Trail: This scenic route takes visitors through some of the finest wineries in the region, and offers tastings, tours, and events throughout the year.
- Franklin Park Arts Center: This community arts center is a hub of creativity and cultural activity, and offers a variety of classes, workshops, and performances.
- Morven Park: This sprawling estate and park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as a variety of special events and programs.
Schools Systems in Leesburg, Virginia
Here is a list of public and private school systems in Leesburg, Virginia, along with their ratings and applicable scores:
Public schools
- Loudoun County Public Schools: This school district is highly rated, and has an overall GreatSchools rating of 8/10.
- Heritage High School: This public high school is rated 9/10 by GreatSchools, and has a College Readiness Index score of 58.3.
Private schools
- Loudoun Country Day School: This private K-12 school is rated 8/10 by GreatSchools, and has a College Readiness Index score of 75.8.
- Saint Theresa School: This private K-8 school is rated 8/10 by GreatSchools, and has a College Readiness Index score of 73.3.
- Stone Bridge High School: This private high school is rated 8/10 by GreatSchools, and has a College Readiness Index score of 65.6.
Salaries, Crime, and Demographics of Leesburg, Virginia
Salaries in Leesburg
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary in Leesburg, Virginia is slightly higher than the national average across a variety of industries. As of 2020, the average salary for all occupations in Leesburg was $91,470, compared to the national average of $53,490.
The highest-paying industries in Leesburg include the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, with an average salary of $118,940 and the finance and insurance sector, with an average salary of $110,260. The government sector also employs a large number of people in Leesburg, with an average salary of $86,010. The information technology (IT) sector is also a significant contributor to the local economy, with an average salary of $103,660. These industries are driven by the presence of several large government and private companies in the area.
Crime Statistics for Leesburg
According to the most recent data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Leesburg, Virginia has a relatively low crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. In 2019, the total number of reported crimes in Leesburg was 1,821, with a population of around 50,000 people. This resulted in a crime rate of 3,642 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 3,964 per 100,000 people.
Leesburg has a relatively low rate of violent crimes, with only 38 reported incidents in 2019, resulting in a rate of 76 per 100,000 people. Property crime rates in Leesburg are also low, with a rate of 3,566 per 100,000 people. These statistics suggest that Leesburg is a relatively safe place to live.
Demographics of Leesburg
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Leesburg, Virginia is a diverse community. As of 2020, the population of Leesburg is estimated to be around 50,000 people. The racial makeup of Leesburg is primarily White (78.6%), followed by African American (9.5%), Asian (7.5%), and Hispanic or Latino (7.1%).
The median age of the population is 38.8 years old. The majority of the population in Leesburg is married (53.7%), and around 45.6% of the population over 25 years old hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The city is relatively older than Ashburn, with around 15% of the population under 18 years old. The city is diverse in terms of education, income and occupation, and it has a mix of urban and suburban areas that attracts people from all over the area.
Other Cities and Areas Near Leesburg, Virginia
Here are three cities or areas near Leesburg, Virginia, along with some information about what people like about each one and any notable comparisons to Leesburg:
Ashburn is a popular suburb of Washington, D.C. located just a few miles west of Leesburg. It is known for its excellent schools, variety of housing options, and access to amenities such as shopping centers and recreational facilities. One notable comparison to Leesburg is that Ashburn is home to the headquarters of internet giant AOL, which has given the area a strong tech presence.
Sterling is another suburb of Washington, D.C. located just a few miles northwest of Leesburg. It is known for its diverse population, affordable housing, and access to job opportunities in the D.C. metropolitan area. Some people also appreciate the small-town feel of Sterling and its proximity to outdoor recreation areas such as Algonkian Regional Park.
Frederick, Maryland
Frederick is a city located about 30 miles northwest of Leesburg. It is known for its rich history, charming downtown area, and access to recreational opportunities such as hiking and biking trails. Frederick is also home to a number of breweries, making it a popular destination for beer lovers. One notable comparison to Leesburg is that Frederick has a slightly larger population and a more urban feel.