Washington, DC, the nation's capital, and Greensboro, NC, a city in the heart of North Carolina, offer distinct lifestyles and environments. The two cities differ in numerous ways, from cost of living and weather to education and culture. This guide provides a detailed comparison of various aspects of life in these cities, providing valuable insights for those considering relocating or tourists planning on visiting either city.
Distance between
Washington, DC and
Greensboro, NC : 249.0 miles
Washington's population is larger by 125%. Its population has grown by 97,991 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Greensboro has grown by 74,372 people (33.2%) during that time.
Washington, DC, has been striving to improve its overall safety. The city has seen a steady reduction in crime rate over the years, but it's important to note that the crime rates still vary widely by neighborhood. Similarly, Greensboro, NC, has neighborhoods with both high and low crime rates. Greensboro's overall crime rate tends to be lower than that of Washington, DC. It's always advisable for residents and visitors to be aware of their surroundings in any city.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,072 registered sex offenders living in Washington and 615 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Washington is 635 to 1; the ratio in Greensboro is 467 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Washington than in Greensboro.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Washington, DC, is significantly higher than the national average. This is due to high housing costs, as well as other factors such as groceries and transportation. Conversely, Greensboro offers a lower cost of living, including more affordable housing and cost-effective services and goods. This lower cost of living makes it particularly attractive to families and retirees.
Income Tax
Washington, DC, has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 4% to 8.95% based on income levels. North Carolina, including Greensboro, has a flat income tax rate of 5.25%.
Property Tax
The average property tax rate in Washington, DC is 0.56%, which is lower than the national average, whereas the rate in Greensboro is around 0.78%.
Sales Tax
Washington, DC, has a sales tax rate of 6.0%, while Greensboro, North Carolina, has a combined state and local sales tax rate of 6.75%.
Income
Type
Washington
Greensboro
Estimated median household income
$90,088
$51,825
Estimated per capita income
$65,808
$32,208
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
124.2
91.2
If you make $50,000 in Greensboro, you will have to make $68,092 in Washington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Washington, DC, is situated along the Potomac River, providing waterfront views and recreational opportunities. Greensboro is located in the Piedmont Triad region and offers rolling hills and natural green spaces.
Washington DC is home to several highly-ranked universities and boasts a robust public school system. The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) is one of the fastest-improving urban school districts in America. Greensboro, NC, also offers a variety of educational opportunities, including high-ranked public schools and universities like the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Washington DC's economy is diverse with sectors such as federal government, education, healthcare, and tourism being major employers. The city also boasts a vibrant start-up scene with numerous technology firms. Greensboro's economy is centered around textiles, tobacco, and furniture, with education and health sectors also making significant impacts. In recent years, Greensboro has also seen growth in sectors like aerospace and logistics.
Biggest Employers
In Washington, DC, the federal government, DC Public Schools, and MedStar Health are the top employers. While in Greensboro, the largest employers are Guilford County Schools, Cone Health, and the city of Greensboro.
There were 376 building permits issued in Washington in 2012 (149 more than in 2011) compared to 529 building permits issued in Greensboro in 2012 (235 more than in 2011).
In Washington (District of Columbia), 90.9% voted for Democrats and 7.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Greensboro (Guilford County), 57.8% voted for Democrats and 41.4% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Washington
Greensboro
Washington
Greensboro
Washington
Greensboro
2020
92.6%
61.1%
5.4%
37.9%
2.0%
1.1%
2016
90.9%
58.0%
4.1%
38.1%
5.0%
3.9%
2012
90.9%
57.8%
7.3%
41.4%
1.8%
0.8%
2008
92.5%
58.9%
6.5%
40.5%
1.0%
0.5%
2004
89.6%
50.2%
9.4%
49.3%
1.0%
0.4%
2000
85.2%
48.6%
9.0%
50.8%
5.9%
0.7%
1996
85.2%
46.9%
9.3%
45.9%
5.5%
7.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Washington
Greensboro
Washington
Greensboro
CATHOLIC CHURCH
12.6%
3.6%
7.4%
1.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
6.2%
0.1%
10.3%
0.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
4.4%
9.6%
10.3%
16.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
3.1%
1.2%
5.3%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
0.5%
1.8%
0.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.8%
1.1%
0.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.8%
2.1%
2.2%
Weather
Washington, DC experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters range from mild to cold. Greensboro also keeps a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters. Greensboro, however, tends to have milder winters and slightly warmer summer temperatures than Washington, DC.
Weather and climate
Type
Washington
Greensboro
Temperature - Average
56.4°F
58.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
68.8%
72.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
33%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
81%
88%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
42.7 in
44.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
32.4 in
17 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.9%
18.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
61.5%
64.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
66%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
54%
Wind speed - Average
9.7 mph
7.7 mph
Average climate in Washington, District of Columbia
Average climate in Greensboro, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Washington
Greensboro
Washington
Greensboro
Washington
Greensboro
Washington
Greensboro
Washington
Washington
Greensboro
Washington
Greensboro
Washington
Greensboro
2018
88
69
0.32
N/A
11.6
6.7
23.2
32.1
N/A
N/A
16.4
16.7
8.8
7.4
0.8
0.2
2017
84
71
0.32
N/A
12.3
7.0
24.9
29.1
N/A
N/A
16.5
11.9
9.8
7.9
1.0
0.3
2016
98
82
0.43
N/A
14.7
6.6
24.6
31.9
0.002
N/A
17.2
11.1
9.5
8.5
1.0
0.2
2015
91
74
0.34
N/A
14.8
6.8
26.2
28.8
0.002
N/A
17.0
12.3
10.4
8.2
1.3
0.3
2014
85
72
0.33
N/A
11.6
6.3
25.9
33.5
0.002
N/A
17.1
12.9
10.0
9.0
1.0
0.4
2013
88
74
0.34
N/A
11.7
6.0
25.6
28.5
0.002
N/A
17.3
12.0
11.6
8.3
1.0
0.3
2012
103
83
0.58
N/A
15.2
8.9
27.6
32.5
0.002
N/A
N/A
13.5
12.2
9.2
1.6
0.4
2011
105
84
0.67
N/A
15.4
7.5
27.7
34.7
0.002
N/A
N/A
14.8
11.4
9.9
3.1
1.0
2010
114
97
0.88
N/A
15.9
9.5
29.3
35.6
0.003
N/A
N/A
16.0
9.3
10.4
3.4
0.3
2009
90
81
0.86
N/A
16.2
13.3
24.4
30.4
0.002
N/A
N/A
14.2
7.6
9.9
4.6
3.9
2008
103
98
1.23
N/A
16.2
11.1
25.3
33.7
0.003
N/A
N/A
16.7
8.5
12.7
5.6
6.3
2007
113
102
1.17
N/A
16.8
11.1
27.1
37.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
19.8
10.4
13.7
5.1
5.5
2006
114
90
1.11
N/A
17.2
10.3
25.5
33.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
19.4
10.9
14.9
4.5
5.1
2005
105
83
0.86
0.70
20.5
10.5
22.7
33.1
0.006
N/A
N/A
19.6
11.7
N/A
4.5
5.1
2004
113
76
0.62
0.56
21.3
12.9
20.6
24.9
0.004
N/A
N/A
19.8
11.3
N/A
6.5
4.3
2003
108
88
0.90
0.56
23.6
14.8
20.8
29.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.9
12.2
N/A
8.3
5.5
2002
125
99
1.16
0.65
23.7
14.3
25.0
34.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
N/A
6.7
5.0
2001
113
103
1.07
0.70
23.9
16.0
22.0
31.0
0.017
N/A
N/A
21.4
N/A
N/A
6.7
4.5
2000
115
90
1.17
0.68
20.2
17.1
19.1
31.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
21.2
N/A
N/A
8.2
4.4
Natural disasters
Type
Washington
Greensboro
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
110.6%
76.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
42.9%
67.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
20%
Transportation
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority runs an efficient public transportation system covering buses and metro rail throughout Washington, DC. Greensboro has the Greensboro Transit Authority which operates bus services, but the city is often more dependent on individual car use due to its spread-out layout.
Transport
Type
Washington
Greensboro
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
2
FAA registered aircraft
456
300
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
3
13
Means of transportation to work
Type
Washington
Greensboro
Bicycle
2%
0.1%
Bus
6.3%
1%
Carpooled
7.8%
6.8%
Car alone
62.5%
89.4%
Railroad
0.3%
0%
Streetcar
10.6%
0.1%
Subway
1.3%
0%
Taxicab
0.8%
0.2%
Walked
5.7%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Washington
Greensboro
Average
39.2 min
24.8 min
Other means
26 min
20.9 min
Public transportation
38.9 min
42.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Washington
Greensboro
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
89.4%
91.9%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
5.8%
In 3 person carpool
0.6%
1.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Washington, DC, is competitive and expensive due to its economic strength and cultural importance. Greensboro, by comparison, offers lower home prices and a more modest cost of living, making it an attractive place for those seeking a more affordable housing market.
Neighborhoods
Washington, DC’s rich history is reflected in its diverse neighborhoods, each boasting a unique personality. Some popular neighborhoods in DC include Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and Dupont Circle. Greensboro also offers a variety of neighborhoods, like Fisher Park and Sunset Hills, known for their friendly, tight-knit communities and charming homes.
Houses and residents
Type
Washington
Greensboro
Houses
357,482
139,565
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.3
Median year apartment built
1965
1989
Median year house/condo built
1941
1981
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.5 years
13.6 years
Houses occupied
319,565 (89.4%)
123,955 (88.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
132,936 (41.6%)
69,834 (56.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
186,629 (58.4%)
54,121 (43.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,791
$1,295
Median monthly housing costs
$1,817
$981
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$996,150
$336,309
Estimated median house or condo value
$669,900
$186,200
Median numbers of rooms
3.8
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.1
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$261,886
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$205,442
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$471,443
$240,978
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$527,983
$129,256
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$817,288
$221,087
Median house price - All housing units
$790,542
$252,845
Median house age
65
37
Renting percentage
58%
47.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,821.9
1,332.9
House value disparities
26.7%
36.2%
Household income disparities
45.7%
45.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$163,111
$75,953
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$108,852
$62,470
Housing units without a mortgage
777 (0.8%)
1,421 (3.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
8,586 (8.5%)
3,736 (8.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,122 (99.2%)
44,909 (96.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,057 (1%)
227 (0.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,793 (12.7%)
5,099 (11%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
12
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.5%
1.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Washington
Greensboro
One, detached
11.2%
55.4%
One, attached
22.2%
7.3%
Two
2.7%
1.7%
3 or 4
6.8%
5.4%
5 to 9
7.3%
9.0%
10 to 19
8.5%
8.6%
20 to 49
7.6%
7.0%
50 or more
33.6%
4.3%
Mobile homes
0.2%
1.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
16,654
6,258
State government workers
6,699
9,041
Unpaid family workers
580
205
Industries and Occupations
The federal government is the largest employer in Washington, DC, followed by industries like education and health services, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality. Greensboro's economy is largely driven by sectors such as education, health, trade, transportation, and utilities, with major employers like Guilford County Schools and Cone Health.
Both Washington, DC, and Greensboro are served by high-quality healthcare systems. Washington, DC, has multiple major hospitals including MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Howard University Hospital. Greensboro is home to Cone Health, a highly-regarded regional healthcare system.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Washington
Greensboro
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Washington, DC's infrastructure includes numerous federal buildings and historic monuments, alongside new developments. Public facilities and utilities are well-maintained. Greensboro also boasts well-maintained public infrastructure, including parks, roads, and utilities, but the city has fewer high-rise buildings and less density than DC.
Infrastructure
Type
Washington
Greensboro
Hospitals
114
16
TV stations
27
10
Arenas or stadiums
4
1
Bank branches located here
247
97
Bank institutions located here
34
19
Main business address for public companies
30
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Washington
Greensboro
1999
1,328
1,540
2000
1,438
1,012
2001
935
739
2002
886
787
2003
1,319
568
2004
2,281
692
2005
2,920
748
2006
3,362
880
2007
2,548
653
2008
1,095
290
2009
514
164
Culture and Food
Washington, DC, is rich in cultural institutions like the Smithsonian museums and the Kennedy Center. There is a diverse food scene with many internationally-inspired cuisines. Greensboro has a strong arts community and offers southern culinary staples and local craft beers.
Sports Teams
Washington, DC, has sports teams in all four major professional leagues – Washington Football Team (NFL), Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Nationals (MLB). Greensboro lacks major professional sports teams but has a popular minor league baseball team, the Greensboro Grasshoppers.
Washington, DC
Greensboro, NC
Washington, DC and 
Greensboro, NC : 249.0 miles
