WASHINGTON D.C.
Welcome to Washington D.C.
This is where innovation meets impact, where top gov-tech startups are taking shape and many of the world’s leading companies have headquarters or major government arms based here. Beyond the business buzz, DC offers unmatched access to education, world-class (and free) museums, and a culture that’s as diverse as it is dynamic. And when you need a change of pace? Beaches and mountains are just a 90-minute drive away.

Top CHIPs for New York
The best Community Home Investment Programs for you.
While there’s always been a rush to move into Washington, D.C., which drives up the home prices, there are also efforts to make homeownership available to a larger demographic. That’s why there are Community Home Investment Programs (CHIPs) available to those seeking to buy a house there. Find out what you can qualify for.

District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) DC Open Doors Down Payment Assistance
This program helps cover your upfront costs by offering 3% or 3.5% for your down payment or closing expenses. Add in a seller credit, and you’re looking at the chance to move in with almost zero out-of-pocket spending.

District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) DC4ME
Up to $199,200. Zero interest. No immediate payback. The DC4ME program is your key to buying in DC

District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)
Your first home just got a whole lot closer. This program delivers up to $206,000 to help you seal the deal on a house, condo, or co-op.

Spectra Credit Union First-Time Homebuyer Program
Dream big, start strong, finance 100% of your home with no money down, up to $806,500, and lock in a fixed rate that keeps things steady.

District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Negotiated Employee Assistance Home Purchase Program (NEAHP)
Score up to $26,500 with a 0% interest loan and zero payments required upfront. Stay in your home for 10 years, and repayment disappears.

District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) DC Open Doors Down Payment Assistance
This program helps cover your upfront costs by offering 3% or 3.5% for your down payment or closing expenses. Add in a seller credit, and you’re looking at the chance to move in with almost zero out-of-pocket spending.

District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) DC4ME
Up to $199,200. Zero interest. No immediate payback. The DC4ME program is your key to buying in DC.

District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP)
Your first home just got a whole lot closer. This program delivers up to $206,000 to help you seal the deal on a house, condo, or co-op.

Spectra Credit Union First-Time Homebuyer Program
Dream big, start strong, finance 100% of your home with no money down, up to $806,500, and lock in a fixed rate that keeps things steady.

District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Negotiated Employee Assistance Home Purchase Program (NEAHP)
Score up to $26,500 with a 0% interest loan and zero payments required upfront. Stay in your home for 10 years, and repayment disappears.
👥
Total Population
689,545
🗺️
Land area in square miles
61.1 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
51
📍
State Capital
Juneau
💰
Median household income
$108,210
💵
Median home sale price
$1,072,855
🏘️
Total Housing Units
350, 364
👥
Total Population
689,545
🗺️
Land area in square miles
61.1 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
51
📍
State Capital
Juneau
💰
Median household income
$108,210
💵
Median home sale price
$1,072,855
🏘️
Total Housing Units
350, 364
Census Data Snapshot for Washington D.C.
Crucial statistics and data about Washington DC.
Though it spans just 61.1 square miles, Washington, D.C. continues to be a city where ambition meets opportunity. Its unique blend of historical significance, economic strength, and cultural richness makes it not just the nation’s capital, but also a capital of potential for those seeking growth and success.
Major Industries and Employment
What’s driving the economy of Washington D.C.?
Being the capital of the United States, the federal government is the main employer in Washington D.C. However, there are other major economic drivers in the city. You won’t lack opportunities if you move into The District.
Employment Type

Employee of private company workers
Self-employed in own incorporated business workers
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers
Local, state, and federal government workers
Self-employed in own not incorporated business workers and unpaid family workers
Occupation

Management, business, science and arts occupations
Sales and office occupations
Service occupations
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations
Total Employer Establishments
🏢 24,089
Employment Type

Employee of private company workers
Self-employed in own incorporated business workers
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers
Local, state, and federal government workers
Self-employed in own not incorporated business workers and unpaid family workers
Occupation

Management, business, science and arts occupations
Sales and office occupations
Service occupations
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations
As of June 2025
As of June 2025
Home Affordability
Learn if you can afford a home in Washington D.C.
When it comes to places to live, Washington D.C. offers a surprisingly diverse spread. You can find everything from grand historic rowhouses on leafy streets and chic, modern condos with city views, to a variety of neighborhood vibes each with its own unique character.

School Rankings and
District Information
What are the best schools in Washington D.C.?
As the nation’s capital, it shouldn’t be surprising that Washington D.C. has excellent schools to showcase what the American way can do. Discover what the city has to offer when it comes to schools for your kids.

Homes for Sale
Ready to explore some homes in Washington D.C.?
It’s a special place to live, that’s for sure. You might want to be right in the middle of all the action, or maybe you’d prefer a calmer, leafier neighborhood vibe. The good news is, D.C.’s got both, and plenty in between!

Washington D.C. Fun Facts
Learn some fun trivia about Washington D.C.
DC has no lack of interesting tidbits that make it an interesting place to live.
#1
Think it’s a state? Think again! Washington, D.C. actually stands for “District of Columbia,” and it’s a special federal district, not a card-carrying member of the 50 states club.
#2
Alphabet soup street grid, hold the “J”! While the city’s streets mostly follow a neat lettered and numbered system, you won’t find a “J” Street – legend has it, “J” and “I” were too easily mixed up in old-school printing.
#3
The White House’s first presidential resident? Not George Washington! That’s right, the president the city is named after picked the site and gave the design a thumbs-up, but he passed away before anyone could hand him the keys in 1800.
Famous Faces from Washington D.C.
Who are the well-known personalities from Washington D.C.?
D.C. isn’t just about politics; it’s a launchpad for some serious star power! Check out these local legends:
Duke Ellington
The cool cat who gave the world iconic jazz, born and bred right here – they even named a whole arts school after this music titan!
Kevin Durant
This NBA superstar first bounced a basketball in D.C. before soaring to global fame (though he grew up just over the line in Maryland!).
John Thompson
The powerhouse coach who turned Georgetown basketball into a legend-making machine!
Ta-Nehisi Coates
A D.C.-raised literary force, this award-winning author and journalist crafts words that truly pack a punch.
Dave Chappelle
The comedy genius who can make an entire stadium roar with laughter, sharpened his legendary wit spending a big chunk of his youth right here in D.C.!
Taraji P. Henson
From Empire to Hidden Figures, this acclaimed D.C.-born actress absolutely owns every role she touches!
Agency
Website
District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA)
DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Government Resources
Looking for more info on housing and real estate in Washington D.C.?
We’ve put together some useful links and resources for you. They’re great for getting the scoop on different homes, checking out schools, and finding out more about what it’s like to live in various parts of the District.
Agency
Website
District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA)
DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
Department of Human Services (DHS)