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Household Income Distribution Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Household Income Distribution of Northern Virginia Northern Virginia is known for having communities with some of the highest incomes in the United States, including the county with the highest median household income in the nation. High incomes coincide with the large, thriving business community of the Northern Virginia region. While high incomes exist, we must recognize that there are segments of the community that are lower income and in need of assistance that live in this prosperous region of the country. About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Median household income data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. Areas with smaller populations, such as the cities of Northern Virginia, may have a larger margin of error in the data due to the survey sample size being small. This is less of an issue the larger the population. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable. Five-Year Estimates - Current All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. The share of households in each income cohort for all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. While Northern Virginia is known for having communities with some of the highest median incomes in the United States, it must be recognized that there are segments of the community in need of assistance that live in one of the most prosperous regions in the country. It also must be recognized that the region's high cost of housing can be burdensome for both the low and moderate income households (earning up to $150,000), particularly first time home buyers , so there is a significant need for more affordable housing. For further information on the affordable housing needs for the middle-income, see the NVRC report Shifting Migration Patterns of Northern Virginia: Affordable Housing Needs published January 2025. One-Year Estimates - Current Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates, of which there are five Northern Virginia jurisdictions included. The share of households in each income cohort for the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia regional household income distribution, for the one-year estimates, is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. While Northern Virginia is known for having communities with some of the highest median incomes in the United States, it must be recognized that there are segments of the community in need of assistance that live in one of the most prosperous regions in the country. It also must be recognized that the region's high cost of housing can be burdensome for both the low and moderate income households (earning up to $150,000), particularly first time home buyers, so there is a significant need for more affordable housing. For further information on the affordable housing needs for the middle-income, see the NVRC report Shifting Migration Patterns of Northern Virginia: Affordable Housing Needs published January 2025.

Median Household Income Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Median Household Income of Northern Virginia Overview Northern Virginia is known for having communities with some of the highest median incomes in the United States, including the county with the highest in the nation. High median household incomes coincide with the large, thriving business community of the Northern Virginia region. While the median household income is high, it must be recognized that there are segments of the community in need of assistance that live in this prosperous region of the country and that high housing costs offset the high income when it comes to standards of living and well-being. About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Median household income data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. Areas with smaller populations, such as the cities of Northern Virginia, may have a larger margin of error in the data due to the survey sample size being small. This is less of an issue the larger the population. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable. Median Household Income - Current Five-Year Estimates All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. The Median household incomes for all Northern Virginia jurisdictions are shown in this graph. The median household income of every Northern Virginia jurisdiction is higher than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Out of all 3,144 jurisdictions in the USA, three of the five highest ranked for median household income are in Northern Virginia, and those include Loudoun County (1st), Falls Church City (4th), and Fairfax County (5th). Northern Virginia's median household income, at an estimated $142,583 (in 2023 dollars), is higher than 12th ranked Arlington, making Northern Virginia one of the most affluent regions of the USA. Median Household Income - Current One-Year Estimates Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates, of which there are five Northern Virginia jurisdictions. The median household incomes for the five largest Northern Virginia jurisdictions are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia median household income for the one-year estimates is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. The five largest jurisdictions of Northern Virginia all have incomes higher than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Out of the 843 jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more in the USA, four of the top twenty highest income jurisdictions are located in Northern Virginia, and those include Loudoun County (1st), Fairfax County (7th), Arlington County (9th), and Prince William County (16th). The median household income of Northern Virginia's five largest jurisdiction together is estimated to be $142,583 (in 2023 dollars), making Northern Virginia one of the most affluent areas of the USA. Median Household Income - Historic Compared to Current Five-Year Estimates The Northern Virginia region's median household income had been rising since 1999 until it dropped in the 2019-2023 period. The greatest upward transformations in median household income, to levels well beyond inflation, have occurred in the Counties of Arlington and Loudoun. Median Household Income - Historic Compared to Current One-Year Estimates The median household income trend, for the regions large jurisdictions (population of 65,000 or more), are shown in the following graph. The Northern Virginia regional household income distribution for the one-year estimates is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. Key Facts: There were dips in median household income in the early 2010s for some jurisdictions. The effects of the recession from 2007 to 2009 were still causing economic hardships and in 2013 there was federal sequestration when the federal government made large budget cuts. The Northern Virginia region is heavily dependent on the federal government for its economy, as indirectly indicated by the job layoffs during sequestration causing a sharp decline in household incomes. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically from 2012 to 2019 the trend in the Northern Virginia median household income was upward after accounting for inflation. Since 2019 it has been a downward trend after accounting for inflation. The COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, setting off a wave of demographic and economic changes in the region and around the nation. From a national perspective, wages lagged behind inflation in 2021 and 2022 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , but outpaced it in 2019, 2020 and since early 2023. Since Northern Virginia's downward trend has occurred in all years since 2019, demographic shifts are more at play than wages not keeping up with inflation. Notably, NVRC research has shown that workers retired early, immigration slowed, and many higher income office workers migrated out of the region to work remotely in places that have a more affordable cost of living. Policymakers have comprehensively addressed low-income housing; however, the pandemic has underscored the need to expand housing programs to serve middle-income two-person households earning up to $150,000 (roughly 120% of the HUD AMI) for enabling first-time home buyers to afford comfortable living and family life in the region. For further information on these demographic shifts, see the NVRC report Shifting Migration Patterns of Northern Virginia: Affordable Housing Needs published January 2025.

Median Household Income of Towns Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Median Household Income of Towns Northern Virginia is known for having communities with some of the highest median incomes in the United States, including the county with the highest in the nation. High median household incomes coincide with the large, thriving business community of the Northern Virginia region. While the median household income is high, it must be recognized that there are segments of the community in need of assistance that live in this prosperous region of the country and that high housing costs offset the high income when it comes to standards of living and well-being. Median Household Income - Current The median household income of the counties, cities, and incorporated towns in Northern Virginia is shown in this graph. Loudoun County is the number one ranked county (county equivalent) for median household income in the nation. The towns of Vienna and Clifton have estimated median household incomes even greater than Loudoun County. All Northern Virginia counties, cities and town, have a median household income higher than Virginia and the USA, except for the Towns of Dumfries and Quantico which are lower. Median Household Income - Historic Compared to Current Note, the American Community Survey is a survey with a small sample size. Due to the small population of many towns, the median household income of towns for should be used with caution and the margin of error of the median household income should be taken into consideration. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and the data should be used with caution. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data does not have a clear trend, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and the data should be used with caution.

Economically Disadvantaged Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Economically Disadvantaged of Northern Virginia While Northern Virginia is known for having communities with some of the highest median incomes in the United States, we must recognize that there are segments of the community in need of assistance that live in one of the most prosperous regions in the country. Poverty The Northern Virginia region has some of the highest household incomes in the United States. However, there are persons in poverty in the region, and their needs must be recognized and addressed. The poverty rates of all counties and cities in Northern Virginia are shown in the following graphs. The poverty rate is the ratio of the number of persons in poverty divided by the number of persons for whom poverty status was determined. Not everyone had their poverty status determined so this figure will be less than the total population. About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Poverty data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. Areas with smaller populations, such as the cities of Northern Virginia, may have a larger margin of error in the data due to the survey sample size being small. This is less of an issue the larger the population. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable Poverty Rate - Current Five-Year Estimates Northern Virginia's poverty rate is 5.9%, compared to 9.9% for Virginia and 12.4% for the nation according to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. Out of all 3,144 jurisdictions in the USA, two of the fifteen lowest poverty rates are located in the Northern Virginia localities of Falls Church (10th) and Loudoun County (14th). Loudoun County and Falls Church are also the first and second ranked for median household income, respectively. However, there are persons in poverty in Loudoun, Falls Church, and the rest of the region, and their needs must be recognized and addressed. Poverty Rate - Current One-Year Estimates Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates. The poverty rates for the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia regional poverty rate, for the one-year estimates, is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. Out of the 843 jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more in the USA, one of the ten lowest poverty rates is located in the Northern Virginia locality of Loudoun County (9th). Loudoun County is also the number one ranked for median household income. However, there are persons in poverty in Loudoun and the rest of the region and their needs must be recognized. Poverty Rate - Historic Compared to Current Five-Year Estimates Northern Virginia's poverty rate has experienced a similar pattern to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States over time. From 1999 to 2018 there was an increase in the percent of persons in poverty and then in the 2019-2023 period it had a statistically significant drop, yet remained above the lowest levels seen in 1999. Poverty Rate - Historic Compared to Current One-Year Estimates The poverty rate patterns over time, for the regions large jurisdictions (population of 65,000 or more), are shown in the following graph. The Northern Virginia regional poverty rate, for the one-year estimates, represents the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. The persons in poverty data has large year-to-year fluctuations due to the small sample size of the survey, together with the small amount of persons in poverty. The margins of error (displayed in the graph pop-ups), are large for the poverty one-years estimates, making any poverty trends undiscernible. However, the low to high ranges of poverty over time for each jurisdiction and the region, and comparisons between jurisdictions and the region can be gleaned. For instance, Northern Virginia's poverty rate has ranged from approximately 6% to 7% between 2010 and 2023, and Loudoun County’s poverty rate has been consistently lower than the other large jurisdictions. Given the unreliability of single-year poverty estimates, utilization of five-year estimates are strongly recommended for all Northern Virginia jurisdictions and the region when analyzing trends, planning, and developing policies. The American Community Survey 5-year estimates have a significantly larger sample size. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Expenditures The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expenditures in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph, including 2024 year-to-date data through October. Since 2011, the peak amount of expenditures was reached in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic downturn. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the world and its impact on the Northern Virginia region was significant from a health and economic stand point. The temporary boost to SNAP benefits put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, known as emergency allotments, ended nationwide after the February 2023 issuance. 3040 Williams Drive Suite 200 Fairfax, Virginia 22031 703-642-0700 Sitemap Privacy Policy Accessibility Statement

Educational Attainment Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Educational Attainment of Northern Virginia Overview Northern Virginia localities are home to some of the most highly educated residents in the nation. This high education level of the region's citizens creates a strong, flourishing business community. The percentage of Northern Virginia's population age 25 or more holding a bachelor's or higher degree is 60.4%, which is nearly double the United States, and holding a graduate or professional degree is 29.4%, which is more than double the United States. About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Educational attainment data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. Areas with smaller populations, such as the cities of Northern Virginia, may have a larger margin of error in the data due to the survey sample size being small. This is less of an issue the larger the population. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable. Educational Attainment - Current Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Current Five-Year Estimates All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. The percentage of residents age 25 or more with bachelor's or higher degrees, for all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, are displayed in the following graph. Out of all 3,144 jurisdictions in the USA, six of the twenty highest ranked for the percentage of residents age 25 or more with bachelor's or higher degrees are located in Northern Virginia. Those include the City of Falls Church (1st), Arlington County (2nd), the City of Alexandria (4th), Fairfax County (7th), Loudoun County (8th), and Fairfax City (13th). Overall, Northern Virginia's share is 61.4% for residents age 25 or more with bachelor's or higher degrees, which is much higher than Virginia and nearly twice the USA. Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Current One-Year Estimates Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates, of which there are five Northern Virginia jurisdictions included. The share of residents age 25 or more with bachelor's or higher degrees for the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia regional data, for the one-year estimates, is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. Out of the 843 jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more in the USA, four of the top seven for the percentage of residents age 25 or more with bachelor's or higher degrees are located in Northern Virginia. Those include Arlington County (1st), the City of Alexandria (2nd), Loudoun (5th), and Fairfax (7th). Graduate or Professional Degrees - Current Five-Year Estimates All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. The percentage of residents age 25 or more with graduate or professional degrees, for all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, are displayed in the following graph. Out of all 3,144 jurisdictions in the USA, six of the twenty highest ranked in the percentage of residents age 25 or more with graduate or higher degrees are located in Northern Virginia. Those include the City of Falls Church (1st), Arlington County (3rd), the City of Alexandria (5th), Fairfax County (11th), City of Fairfax (17th), and Loudoun County (19th). Overall, Northern Virginia's share is 29.8% for residents age 25 or more with graduate or professional degrees, which is much higher than Virginia and more than double the USA. Graduate or Professional Degrees - Current One-Year Estimates Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates. The percentage of residents age 25 or more with graduate or professional degrees for the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia regional data, for the one-year estimates, is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. Out of the 843 jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more in the USA, four of the 25 highest ranked for the percentage of residents age 25 or more with graduate or professional degrees are located in Northern Virginia. Those include Arlington (1st), the City of Alexandria (5th), Fairfax (8th), and Loudoun (21st). Educational Attainment - Historic Compared to Current Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Historic Compared to Current Five-Year Estimates Northern Virginia is one of the most educated places in the United States. Since 2000, the region's population has experienced an upward trend in the share of persons age 25 and over, becoming even more highly educated than it already was. Northern Virginia's age 25 and over population holding bachelor's or higher degrees in 2000 was 50.7% and in the 2019-2023 period was 61.4%, compared to the United States which was 24.4% and 35.0% respectively. The considerable growth of the highly educated contributes to a flourishing and robust business community in Northern Virginia. Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Historic Compared to Current One-Year Estimates The trend in persons age 25 and over holding a bachelor's or higher degree, for the regions large jurisdictions (population of 65,000 or more), are shown in the following graph. Key Facts: Northern Virginia, as defined for this analysis using the region's five largest jurisdictions, trended upward, increasing from an estimated 54.7% in 2010 to 62.2% in 2023. Note, from 2022 to 2023 Northern Virginia appears to have declined, but this may be a statistical anomaly due to the small sample size of the American Community Survey and the fact that the 2023 figure is not statistically significant difference from 2022 based on the margin of error. Also, it may be a statistical anomaly since it was declines were not a pattern seen across all jurisdictions, unlike graduate degrees where it was a pattern across all jurisdictions. When the 2024 data is released, it can be confirm whether there is in fact a downward trend. All of the region's five largest jurisdictions have trended upward since 2010 in their percentage with a bachelor's degree or higher. Graduate or Professional Degree - Historic Compared to Current Five-Year Estimates Northern Virginia's age 25 and over population holding professional and graduate degrees in 2000 was 22.1% and in the 2019-2023 period it was 29.8%, compared to the United States which was 8.9% and 13.7% respectively. The considerable growth of the highly educated contributes to a flourishing and robust business community in Northern Virginia. Graduate or Professional Degree - Historic Compared to Current One-Year Estimates The trend in persons age 25 and over holding a graduate or professional degree, for the regions large jurisdictions (population of 65,000 or more), are shown in the following graph. Key Facts: Northern Virginia, as defined for this analysis using the region's five largest jurisdictions, trended upward in the share of the population holding graduate or professional degrees, increasing from an estimated 25.4% in 2010 to a peak of 30.8% in 2022, and then there was a decline to 30.1% in 2023. The decline from 2022 to 2023 was a statistically significant difference when accounting for the survey's margin of error. This may be due to the wave of retirement occurring in the region and because the remote and hybrid work trend has provided an opportunity for higher income, highly educated office workers to migrate out of the region to places that have a more affordable cost of living. Learn more about these causes in the NVRC report, Shifting Migration Pattern of Northern Virginia: Affordable Housing Needs published in January 2025. All of the region's five largest jurisdictions trended upward from 2010 to 2022 in the percentage with a graduate or professional degree. However, from 2022 to 2023 all jurisdictions did decline in the share of the population with graduate or professional degrees.

Foreign Born and Immigrants of Towns Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Foreign Born and Immigrant Population of Towns Overview The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is one of the most diverse in the country when taking into consideration the minority and foreign born (immigrant) population make-up. Northern Virginia contains a sizable amount of the metropolitan area's diverse population. The foreign born or immigrant population is transforming the region and many of it's towns. Note, the terms foreign born and immigrant are used interchangeably throughout the NOVA Region Dashboard. It is immigration that has been driving many of the major demographic trends in the region, including: School enrollment changes Sizable increases in the number of Hispanics and Asians Population and labor force growth About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Foreign born population data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey. All of the incorporated towns in Northern Virginia have a population of less than 65,000 persons. One-year ACS estimates do not exist for incorporated places with a population of less than 65,000. All incorporated towns and places in the United States are included in the five-year ACS estimates. It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. The ACS estimates for places with smaller populations such as Clifton, Dumfries, Hamilton, Haymarket, Hillsboro, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Quantico can be unreliable if the margin of error is large. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable. Foreign Born Population - Current Foreign Born Population Share - Current The region's highest ranked county/city is Manassas Park City, ranking 7th in the nation at 36.6%. The town of Herndon has a foreign born population share of 44.0% which is estimated to be higher than the City of Manassas Park, however the town is not statistically different from the city due to the margins of error. Towns that are estimated to have lower foreign born population shares than the Commonwealth of Virginia are all located within rural Loudoun County (Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Middleburg, Round Hill), except for Clifton which is located in rural Fairfax County. Note, the town of Hillsboro's 2019-2023 estimate is considered to be highly unreliable due to the large margin of error, its large increase from prior five-year periods, and its rural setting in Loudoun County. Foreign Born Population - Historic Compared to Current Foreign Born Population Share - Historic Compared to Current Immigration has been driving many of the major demographic trends in the region. The foreign born population is transforming the region. Northern Virginia's population was 21.4% foreign born in 2000 and has risen to 28.0% currently. Large transformations since 2000 have occurred in the towns of Dumfries, Haymarket, Leesburg, Lovettsville, Occoquan, Purcellville, and Quantico. All of these incorporated towns are located in the outer-core, which is where the majority of the region's growth has occurred. Note, the American Community Survey is a survey with a small sample size. Due to the small size of many Northern Virginia towns and small sample size of the survey, the median household income of towns should be used with caution and the margin of error of the median household income should be taken into consideration. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and the data should be used with caution. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data does not have a clear trend, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and the data should be used with caution.

Foreign Born and Immigrants Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Foreign Born and Immigrant Population of Northern Virginia Overview The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is one of the most diverse in the country when taking into consideration the racial, ethnic, and foreign born (immigrant) population make-up. Northern Virginia contains a sizable amount of the metropolitan area's diverse population. The foreign born or immigrant population is transforming the region. Note, the terms foreign born and immigrant are used interchangeably throughout the NOVA Region Dashboard. Immigration has been driving demographic transformations in the region , including: School enrollment changes Sizable increases in the number of Hispanics and Asians Population growth Employment growth About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Foreign born population data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. Areas with smaller populations, such as the cities of Northern Virginia, may have a larger margin of error in the data due to the survey sample size being small. This is less of an issue the larger the population. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable. Foreign Born Population - Current Foreign Born Population Share - Current Five-Year Estimates All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. The share of the population that is foreign born, for all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, is displayed in this graph. Northern Virginia's foreign born population share is 28.0%. All Northern Virginia jurisdiction's have a foreign born population share that is greater than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Out of all 3,144 jurisdictions in the USA, all Northern Virginia jurisdictions are ranked #147 or higher. The region's highest ranked are Manassas Park City (7th), Manassas City (21st), Fairfax County (23rd), and Fairfax City (26th), each of which have a greater foreign born population share than New York County, New York (Manhattan) (28.1% and 37th) and Orange County, California (29.9% at 29th). Back in 2000, all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia had a foreign born population share that was less than Manhattan. These high ranks of the region's jurisdictions are indicative of a transforming region and the diverse population of Northern Virginia and the DC metropolitan area. Foreign Born Population Share - Current One-Year Estimates Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates. The share of the population that is foreign born for the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia foreign born population, for the one-year estimates, is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. All of Northern Virginia five largest jurisdictions have a foreign born population share that is much greater than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Out of the 843 jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more in the USA, all are ranked #76 or higher, with the region's highest ranked, large jurisdiction being Fairfax County, ranked 17th with a foreign born population of 31.6%. Fairfax County has a greater foreign born population share than New York County, New York (Manhattan) (29.3% and 24th) and Orange County, California (30.8% at 20th). Northern Virginia's foreign born population share, as defined for this analysis using the region's five largest jurisdictions, is 28.5%, which is only 0.8% less than Manhattan. Back in 2000, all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia had a foreign born population share that was less than Manhattan. These high and changing ranks for the region's jurisdictions are indicative of the diverse population and a transforming Northern Virginia region and D.C. metropolitan area. Foreign Born Population - Historic Compared to Current Foreign Born Population Share - Historic Compared to Current Five-Year Estimates Immigration has been driving many of the major demographic trends in the region. The foreign born population is transforming the region. Northern Virginia's population was 21.4% foreign born in 2000 and has risen to 28.0% currently. Similar to today, back in 2000 all Northern Virginia jurisdictions had a foreign born population share that was greater than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. The greatest transformations have occurred in the four outer-core jurisdictions of Loudoun, Manassas City, Manassas Park, and Prince William. The outer-core of the region accounts for a majority of the region's overall population growth, as indicated in the population growth charts . Foreign Born Population Share - Historic Compared to Current One-Year Estimates The foreign born population trend, for the regions large jurisdictions (population of 65,000 or more), is shown in the following graphs. The legal status of non-citizens is unknown and not collected by the U.S. Census Bureau in any of its data sets. Key Facts: Northern Virginia, as defined for this analysis using the region's five largest jurisdictions, experienced an increase from 2011 to 2017. The foreign born population share increased from 25.5% to 28.6% respectively. From 2017 to 2021 it trended down, reaching a low of 27.2% in 2021. The decline from 2017 to 2021 was a result of the 2016 to 2020 presidential administration's reforms to immigration policy, as well as the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic led to a drop in the region's population between 2020 and 2021 due to out-migration of residents, higher death rates than normal times, and slowing immigration. In 2022 the pandemic was subsiding and immigration began to rebound in the country and region. The region experienced a decrease in the overall foreign-born population from 2017 to 2021 , which was largely attributable to the non-citizen populations migrating out of the area in greater amounts than naturalized citizens moving into the area. From 2021 to 2023 the foreign-born population has been increasing. Between 2017 and 2022 the region's naturalized citizen population trended up, while the non-citizen population trended down. In 2023 the naturalized citizen population remained stable, while the non-citizen population increased. Loudoun and Prince William Counties, since 2010, have had significant increases and trended upward in their foreign born population as a share of the total population. Fairfax County's foreign born population share trended up from 2010 to 2017 to a high of 32.1%. From 2017 to 2021 it trended down, reaching a low of 29.9% in 2021. The increase from 2021 to 2023 coincides with the regional and national rebound in immigration. Alexandria and Arlington's foreign born populations have dropped since 2017 or 2018 and have not begun to rebound since the peak of the pandemic, unlike the region overall.

Population Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Population of Northern Virginia Overview Northern Virginia is on the front lines of a demographic transformation shaping the United States. There has been an extraordinary amount of population growth in Northern Virginia. In 2023, the Northern Virginia population was 74% more than in 1990 when the population was 1,466,350. Population Estimate 2023 2,556,143 The COVID-19 pandemic began in the United States in March 2020 and the emergency declaration was lifted in May 2023. The pandemic changed the country's and region's demographic migration patterns significantly due to the substantial rise in remote work. Remote work is providing people with the opportunity to move to places away from employment centers. Most people relocate for family-reasons, housing reasons, and for more affordable, lower cost of living according to the U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey. Young adult, first time home buyers are the largest, working-age demographic group that are choosing to move to more affordable areas. In the four years since the pandemic, the country has had a wave of out-migration from urban areas to suburban and rural areas or smaller urban areas. The shift to remote work is one of the most impactful societal changes impacting demographic trends in the country and region, and likely will shape future trends for a long time. From July 1, 2020 to July 1, 2021, the nation's most populous areas, including Northern Virginia, experienced significant out migration and population declines. This was the first and only annual decline in Northern Virginia since the Census Bureau annual record keeping began in 1970, with a decline of an estimated 7,800 persons. Nationally, by County, and in Northern Virginia, growth patterns of 2022 and 2023 have "edged closer to pre-pandemic levels", according to the U.S. Census Bureau and NVRC Analysis. Annual Estimates/Trends Decennial Census/Trends Annual Estimates Annual Estimates: Population, Natural Change (Births and Deaths), Migration Annual estimates of population and the components of change (domestic migration, international migration, births, and deaths) paint a portrait of the annual growth patterns in the towns of Northern Virginia. Annual estimates are not based on a full census of the population. Rather, they are estimates based on a compilation of multiple administrative data pieces such as birth records and residential building permits. The estimates are obtained from the U.S. Census, which benchmarks estimates to the Decennial Censuses. Decennial Census data represents the population as of April 1 of the year, whereas the annual estimates are as of July 1 of each year. Decennial Population Decennial Census Data: Population The Decennial Census is based on a survey of the entire population. It is conducted once a decade. The 2020 Decennial Census population was released on August 12, 2021. The Decennial Census regional, county, and city population data is shown in the interactive charts that follow. Key Facts: Decennial Growth In 2020, Northern Virginia's population was 2,550,337 according to the Decennial Census. The population increased from 1,466,409 in 1990, a 74% increase in the 30 year period from 1990 to 2020. Northern Virginia added approximately 320,000 people in this past decade, 2010 to 2020. This is 96,000 or 23% less than the previous decade, signaling a significant slowdown in the pace of growth. However, growth still continues at a high amount. Virginia’s population grew by 630,369 from 2010 to 2020, of which 50.7% of that growth was in Northern Virginia. In 2020, 29.5% of Virginia’s population was in Northern Virginia, compared to 27.9% in 2010. Growth peaked in 2010. Growth in Northern Virginia has slowed since 2010. It has trended down annually since 2010, but it is still large and impactful growth that the the region is facing. The localities in Northern Virginia the growth is occurring in this decade is different in some ways than in the 1990s and 2000s. The preponderance of population growth of Northern Virginia continues to be located in the outer-ring suburbs of Prince William, Loudoun Counties, and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. However, the share of the region's growth that is in the outer-ring has dropped from 65.1% in the 2000 to 2010 period to 61.5% in the 2010 to 2020 period. Arlington has seen its share of the region's growth more than double from what it experienced in the 2000's. Alexandria has seen its share of the region's growth become 2.2 times what it experienced in the 2000's. Intensification of developmental pressures this decade in the inner-core is a response to the millennial generation preferences, demographics, urbanization, transportation and other market pressures.

Population of Towns Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Population of Towns Overview Northern Virginia is on the front lines of a demographic transformation shaping the United States. There has been an extraordinary amount of population growth in Northern Virginia, some of it being in incorporated towns. The town of Purcellville has nearly tripled in size since 2000. The town of Lovettsville has more than tripled in size since 2000. The towns of Leesburg and Haymarket have populations that have nearly doubled since 2000. Annual Estimates/Trends Decennial Census/Trends Annual Pop Towns Annual Estimates Data Annual estimates of population paint a portrait of the annual growth patterns in the towns of Northern Virginia. Annual estimates are not based on a full census of the population. Rather they are estimates based on a compilation of multiple administrative data pieces such as birth records and residential building permits. Deccenial Pop Towns Decennial Census Data The Decennial Census is based on a survey of the entire population. It is conducted once a decade. The 2020 Decennial Census population was release on August 12, 2021. The Decennial Census town population data is shown in the interactive charts that follow.

Student Enrollment Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Public School Student Enrollment of Northern Virginia Overview With population growth in the Northern Virginia region has come substantial student enrollment growth in the region's public elementary, middle, and high schools since 2004. On September 30, 2004, there were 315,898 public school students in the region. By September 30, 2019 student enrollment had increased to 423,670. In 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world. Fall student enrollments have been a different story due to the impacts and transformations caused by the COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, in 2019 students were 16.7% of the total population. In 2023, the latest year with population available, students were 16.1% of the total population. COVID-19 Pandemic Impact Fall 2020: School enrollment dropped in the region for the first time since at least 2003, with a drop of 16,413. Fall 2021: Enrollment dropped slightly further by fall 2021, with a drop of 626 from 2020. Insights: The enrollment decline during the pandemic was largely attributable to public school students transferring to at-home schooling and private schools, as well as the overall decline in the region's population from mid-2020 to mid-2021. Slow Recovery from COVID-19 Pandemic Fall 2022: Students that were home-school or attended private school during the peak of COVID-19 started to return to public schools and a Northern Virginia population rebound was underway. The 2022 fall enrollment was 4,081 higher than the prior year. Fall 2023/2024: Enrollment in Fall 2024 was 411,097, which lags pre-pandemic enrollment by 12,573 or 3.0% . Fall 2023 enrollment was only 617 students higher than in 2022. Fall 2024 enrollment declined by 232 students from the previous year. Regional Insights: In 2020 and 2021, students were 16.0% of the total population. This increased slightly to 16.1% in 2022 and stayed at that level in 2023, falling short of the pre-pandemic share of 16.7%. The population estimate for 2024 is unavailable until mid-2024. The slow recovery is mirrors the region's slow population rebound . The lower shares observed since 2019 are likely a result of the enhanced appeal of at-home and private schooling following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The slow growth can also be attributed to declining birth rates in Northern Virginia. County/City Insights : The only jurisdictions surpassing the 2019 pre-pandemic enrollment level as of 2024 were the City of Alexandria and the City of Falls Church. Alexandria's enrollment was 16,613 in 2024 compared to 16,307 in 2019. Alexandria's 2024 enrollment was the highest enrollment on record since 1971. Falls Church's enrollment was 2,677 compared to 2,649 in 2019. Alexandria and Falls Church surpassed 2019 pre-pandemic enrollment levels for the first time in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Future Growth and Planning The Washington region is forecasted to have much population growth in the next few decades, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). A significant amount of that growth is forecasted to be in Northern Virginia. The Northern Virginia region had a population of over 2.54 million in 2022 and is forecasted to be more than 3 million by 2040. See the NVRC Demographic and Economic Fact Sheet for more details. A multitude of variables alter student enrollment trends, including new development, transfers to and from private schools, in and out migration rates, and changing size and composition of families in existing housing stock. With growth comes challenges in maintaining the high quality of education and school facilities in the region. To maintain the high quality of education, planning and acquiring land or buildings for school sites to accommodate future growth is vitally important, but has been increasingly challenging in this region with quickly diminishing land supply.

Accessibility Statement Overview Date of last revision: 03/04/21 The Northern Virginia Regional Commission strives to ensure that its services are accessible to people with disabilities and has invested resources to help provide an easy-to-use experience for all visitors to our website, novaregiondashboard.com, regardless of the type of device used and whether a visitor uses assistive technology like a screen reader, font magnification, translation or voice recognition software. The Northern Virginia Regional Commission uses the UserWay Website Accessibility Widget powered by a dedicated accessibility server to improve its compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). The Northern Virginia Regional Commission accessibility menu can be enabled by clicking the accessibility menu icon that appears on the corner of the page. After triggering the accessibility menu, please wait a moment for the accessibility menu to load. The Northern Virginia Regional Commission is committed to constantly improving the accessibility of its site. Despite efforts to make all pages and content on NOVA Region Dashboard fully accessible, some content may not have yet been adapted to the strictest accessibility standards as we identify appropriate technological solutions. If you are having trouble accessing content on NOVA Region Dashboard or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us . Browser Accessibility Information Many popular browsers contain built-in accessibility tools. Internet Explorer Accessibility Information Firefox Accessibility Information Chrome Accessibility Information Additional Plug-ins Adobe Reader is required to view and print PDF documents that appear on this website. To download this program for free, visit the Adobe website . To read PDF documents with a screen reader, please visit the Adobe Reader Accessibility website which provides useful tools and resources.

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