Is George Mason Safe, Pros and cons of living in George Mason

George Mason University, a prominent public research institution, is situated in Fairfax, Virginia. It is the largest public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is known for its commitment to diversity and innovation. The university offers a wide array of academic programs and is a significant contributor to the regional economy and intellectual landscape.

The university’s strategic location in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area provides its students and faculty with access to a wealth of cultural, governmental, and professional opportunities. George Mason University is recognized for its role in fostering economic development and providing educational excellence within the region and beyond.

Is it Safe to Live in George Mason?

George Mason University reported 470 crime and safety incidents in 2019, which equated to 12.41 incidents per 1,000 students (as reported by College Factual). On campus, there were 439 such incidents, or 11.59 per 1,000 students (as reported by College Factual). Disciplinary actions accounted for the largest portion of these incidents (as reported by College Factual).

Further details on specific crime categories reveal that in 2019, George Mason University reported 26 criminal offenses, including motor vehicle theft and rape (as reported by College Factual). Additionally, 58 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) incidents were reported, encompassing domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking (as reported by College Factual). There were also 17 arrests made, including for weapons and drug law violations (as reported by College Factual).

Housing Costs and Living Expenses

The cost of living associated with attending George Mason University includes various expenses for food and housing. Estimated off-campus living expenses are approximately $17,772, while living with parents is estimated at $11,065 (as reported by George Mason University). On-campus housing and meal plans are priced separately, with typical student expenses around $7,620 for housing and $5,010 for dining in 2021 (as reported by George Mason University).

The total estimated cost for on-campus room and board is $17,550, which is above the national average of $15,282 (as reported by George Mason University). Over four years, students might anticipate total living costs of around $69,711 (as reported by George Mason University). Commuting students, however, face lower expenses, paying approximately $12,495 annually, which is 46% less than on-campus living (as reported by George Mason University).

Regarding the broader housing market near George Mason University, the median home price in March 2026 was $700,000, showing a decrease of 17.6% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The average rent for an apartment in George Mason, VA, was $1,941 in May 2025, an increase of $316 from the previous month (as reported by Redfin). A 1-bedroom apartment averages around $2,100, while a 2-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,637 (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Employment Outcomes

George Mason University graduates demonstrate strong career outcomes, with a 92% positive outcome rate within six months of graduation for the Class of 2025 (as reported by George Mason University). Of these graduates, 81% remained in the Washington, D.C. region, and 74% secured employment aligned with their career goals (as reported by George Mason University). The median starting salary for these graduates was $73,000 (as reported by George Mason University).

The university’s strong industry ties and strategic location near major corporate and government centers contribute to its graduates’ success. Top hiring companies include Amazon, Capital One, Deloitte, Google, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Defense (as reported by George Mason University). The university’s placement rate stands at a high of 85% (as reported by Shiksha).

The average estimated annual salary for employees at George Mason University is $100,829, with a median salary of $144,917 (as reported by Comparably). The highest-paid positions can reach significantly higher, with a Director of Product earning up to $328,247 annually (as reported by Comparably). For bachelor’s degree recipients, the average early-career salary is approximately $76,343 per year, which is 55% more than the average college graduate’s salary (as reported by College Factual).

Climate and Environment

The climate in the George Mason University area, located in Fairfax, Virginia, experiences seasonal variations typical of the Mid-Atlantic region. While specific average temperatures and rainfall data for the immediate vicinity of the university are not detailed in the provided search results, the broader climate trends for Virginia are influenced by factors like extreme heat and increased risk of vector-borne diseases (as reported by George Mason University).

George Mason University is home to a Center for Climate Change Communication, which conducts research on public understanding and engagement with climate change solutions. This center explores topics such as public opinion on climate change, the role of media in communicating climate science, and the health impacts of a changing climate (as reported by George Mason University).

Educational Landscape and School Ratings

George Mason University is recognized for its academic offerings and diversity. It is ranked #34 out of 1,615 for “Most Diverse Colleges in America” (as reported by Niche). The university also ranks #35 out of 329 for “Best Colleges for Information Technology in America” (as reported by Niche).

The university’s overall Niche grade is a B+, with a rating of 3.73 out of 5 based on student surveys and statistics (as reported by Niche). George Mason University is ranked 271 out of 1,715 overall best colleges (as reported by College Factual). The 6-year graduation rate is 69%, placing it in the top 30% nationally (as reported by George Mason University).

Demographics and Student Body

George Mason University boasts a diverse student body. In 2023, 35% of enrolled students identified as White, followed by 19.5% Asian, 14.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 11.4% Black or African American (as reported by Data USA). The university has a total enrollment of 39,527 students, with 70.7% enrolled full-time (as reported by Data USA).

The gender distribution is nearly even, with 50% female students and 50% male students (as reported by George Mason University). The student population includes 80% in-state residents, 16% out-of-state students, and 3% international students, contributing to a rich cross-cultural learning environment (as reported by George Mason University).

Major Employers and Economic Impact

George Mason University is a significant employer in the Washington, D.C. area, ranking 27th overall in 2021 with over 7,299 metro-area employees (as reported by the Washington Business Journal). It is one of the largest employers among colleges and universities in the region, behind only the University of Maryland (as reported by the Washington Business Journal).

The university’s graduates are highly sought after by major regional employers across the public and private sectors. These include entities such as the Department of War, Fairfax County Public Schools, Inova Health System, Amazon Web Services, Capital One, and Google (as reported by George Mason University). The university’s strong alumni network and career services actively connect students with these and many other leading organizations.