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Northern Virginia educational attainment, public school student enrollment, and more demographics, data and graphs by region and county. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Student Enrollment Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Public School Student Enrollment of Northern Virginia Overview Northern Virginia experienced sustained public school enrollment growth from 2004 through 2019, increasing from 315,898 students to a peak of 423,670. Since 2019, enrollment has declined in four of the past six years, including the most recent school year. Student enrollment in 2025 totaled 405,457. Note, the annual enrollment figures reflect September 30th of each year. Key Highlights Declining Student to Total Population Share: Since 2019, both total enrollment and the student share of the population have fallen. The student share declined from 16.7% in 2019 to a low of 15.8% in 2024. The 2025 share is currently unavailable, but will be available in mid-2026 when population data for 2025 is released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Multiple Contributing Factors: Recent declines in public school enrollment reflect a combination of factors, including declining births and birth rates, an aging population, accelerated out-migration of families due to housing costs, and elevation participation in home-schooling and private education options post-COVID 19 pandemic. Generational Transition: Public school enrollment trends closely track regional birth patterns, typically with a five-year lag. Births and birth rates in Northern Virginia have declined steadily since 2007, resulting in progressively smaller elementary school enrollment since 2013. Larger pre-2013 cohorts that supported enrollment growth are graduating and being replaced by smaller student populations, making continued enrollment decline increasingly likely. Future Growth and Planning Northern Virginia is undergoing a generational transition in its student population. The larger student populations that entered school prior to 2013 and sustained growth through the 2010s are now graduating from the school system, while smaller student populations advance through each grade. Continued enrollment declines are increasingly likely over the next five to ten years. In the longer term, Northern Virginia is projected to have substantial population growth. The region's population exceeded 2.60 million in 2024 and is forecast to surpass 3 million by 2040, according to the NVRC Demographic and Economic Fact Sheet . However, aging of the population and declining birth rates are reducing the number of school-age children entering the public school system. In addition, higher housing costs and other economic pressures are contributing to slow in-migration of families and prompting families to move out of the region. These factors are expected to result in overall stagnation or declines in student enrollment for the region, but specific areas of the region with large amounts of residential development will have increased enrollment. In summary, a multitude of variables alter student enrollment trends, including new development, transfers to and from private schools, in- and out-migration rates, and size and composition of families in existing housing stock. With growth and demographic shifts comes challenges in maintaining the high quality of education and school facilities in the region. Ensuring the continued excellence of education necessitates strategic planning and the acquisition of land or facilities for future school development, which has become increasingly complex in the region due to the limited supply of available land.

Northern Virginia town population growth, minority-majority transition, foreign born population transformation, and more demographics, data and graphs. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Population of Towns Population of Towns Data There are 14 incorporated towns in Northern Virginia. Detailed information on the incorporated towns are available on the following population topics. For comparative purposes, Northern Virginia counties and cities, Commonwealth of Virginia, and United States data are included. Population Total Foreign Born and Immigrants Race and Ethnicity

Northern Virginia town population growth, minority-majority transition, foreign born population transformation, and more demographics, data and graphs. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Race and Ethnicity of Towns Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Race and Ethnicity of Towns Overview A big story of the region is its diversification and majority-minority transition. There will soon be a day when the majority of people will belong to a minority group (any group other than non-Hispanic White alone). Much of this is attributed to the sizable increases in the number of Hispanics, Asians, and multiracial persons in the region. The following charts show the region's population by race and ethnicity, along with analyses of diversity for Northern Virginia and its incorporated towns. Upcoming Changes to Categorization of Race/Ethnicity Race/ethnicity data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau is the primary source of race and ethnicity demographics. The U.S. Census Bureau currently collects race and ethnicity data based on the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) standards from 1997. New race/ethnicity standards were adopted by the Office of Management and Budget on March 28, 2024, the first such adoption since 1997. Changes are coming to how race and ethnicity information will be collected and reported in the United States. Federal agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau, must implement the new standards into data collections as soon as possible, but no later than March 28, 2029. The U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS), a survey conducted annually, will be one of the first U.S. Census Bureau products to implement the new standards. As of July 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau was proposing to begin implementation of data collection in 2026 or 2027 for the ACS products. The 2030 Decennial Census will also reflect the new standards. The new race categories will offer individuals more precise ways to self-identify, especially for people who self-identify as multiracial or multiethnic. This will result in a more accurate representation of the U.S. population's race and ethnic characteristics. Changes will include a single combined question instead of separate race and ethnicity questions. Also, a new "Middle Eastern or North African" category will be added. These changes aim to better reflect the diversity of the American population. These changes will create challenges and implications for our understanding of the population and trends because the data will not be comparable to prior data. These modifications will alter the population size of subgroups. Specifically, the Census Bureau’s 2015 National Content Test results suggest anticipating increases in those identifying as Middle Eastern or North African, Hispanic or Latino, and Black or African American. Conversely, the number of individuals categorized as “white” or "some other race" is projected to decline. The combined race and ethnicity question is also expected to improve response rates for the race component on the decennial census and ACS forms. More information can be found on the U.S. Census Bureau's website . 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 released on August 12, 2021. The Decennial Census regional, county, and city population data is shown in the interactive charts that follow. The 2020 Census had improvements to the design of the two separate questions for race and ethnicity, data processing, and coding, which enabled a more thorough and accurate depiction of how people prefer to self-identify. These changes along with actual demographic changes in the population result in the changes seen from 2010 to 2020 in the following data. For more details on the 2020 Census questionnaire changes and its impacts please view the U.S. Census Bureau's technical information . The following charts show the region's population by race and ethnicity, along with analyses of diversity for Northern Virginia and its incorporated towns. People of Hispanic/Latino origin are an ethnic group and may be of any race. To display Hispanic/Latino together with racial groups, it is common to cross-tabulate race and ethnicity to display Hispanic/Latino as a single category and the non-Hispanic race groups as categories that sum to the total population. This means of displaying race and ethnic data has become quite common and for available data, it is the closest categorization c ompared to the new race/ethnicity standards that were adopted by the Office of Management and Budget on March 28, 2024 (for more information see prior section ). With this classification, Hispanic/Latino is treated identically to major race groups and not independently of race. Also, Census Bureau research has shown that this classification is much less impacted by the 2020 Census questionnaire improvements. NVRC has migrated its demographic analysis to the cross-tabulated categories. The following charts, as well as the calculation of diversity, use the cross-tabulated categories.

Northern Virginia population growth, minority-majority transition, foreign born population transformation, and more demographics, data and graphs by region and county. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). People / Population Information on the people of the overall Northern Virginia region and it's county and cities. Overall Information on the people of Northern Virginia's incorporated towns . Towns

Northern Virginia economic and demographic maps to assess the federal cutback impacts. Federal Monitoring Maps Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Federal Workforce Maps Northern Virginia Regional Commission presents a collection of federal civilian employment maps. The data analysis was performed by Northern Virginia Regional Commission using U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table S2408. The data is displayed by zip code tabulation areas, which are approximations of the USPS Postal Service zip codes. Two maps in the collection 1. Federal Share of Total Civilian Employment Click Map to View 2. Density per Square Mile - Federal Civilian Employment Click Map to View

Citizenship data compiled by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission's as part of the One Region immigration study, Coronavirus (COVID-19) immigration study, and dashboard to assess the economic impact of immigrants in Northern Virginia. Citizenship Key Facts Citizenship Immigrants in Northern Virginia have above average rates of naturalization 2013 to 2017 Period Key Facts: More than half, or 51.3 percent, of all immigrants in the region, have earned their U.S. citizenship. The Northern Virginia U.S. Citizenship rate of immigrants is higher than the national average of 48 percent. Further information about citizenship, from research NVRC has conducted separately from the One Region report, can be found on the People dashboard .

Northern Virginia towns educational attainment, public school student enrollment, and more demographics, data and graphs by region and county. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Educational Attainment of Towns Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Educational Attainment of Towns 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. 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. Educational Attainment - Current Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Current The population age 25 or over with bachelor's or higher degrees of the counties, cities, and incorporated towns in Northern Virginia is shown in this graph. All towns, except for Dumfries, have higher percentages of bachelor's or higher degree holders than the United States and Commonwealth of Virginia. The towns of Clifton and Vienna have higher percentages of bachelor's or higher degree holders than Northern Virginia overall. Graduate or Professional Degrees - Current The population age 25 or over with graduate or professional degrees of the counties, cities, and incorporated towns in Northern Virginia is shown in this graph. The towns of Clifton and Vienna have higher percentages of bachelor's or higher degree holders than Northern Virginia overall. Educational Attainment - Historic Compared to Current Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Historic Compared to Current The trend over time in the population age 25 or over with bachelor's or higher degrees in Northern Virginia and its incorporated towns are shown in this graph. Due to the small size of many towns, the educational attainment data of towns should be used with caution and the margin of error of the educational attainment data 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. Graduate or Professional Degree - Historic Compared to Current The trend over time in the population age 25 or over with graduate or professional degrees in Northern Virginia and its incorporated towns are shown in this graph. Due to the small size of many towns, the educational attainment data of towns should be used with caution and the margin of error of the educational attainment data 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.

Economic data compiled by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission's as part of the One Region immigration study, Coronavirus (COVID-19) immigration study, and dashboard to assess the economic impact of immigrants in Northern Virginia. Entrepreneurship Information on the overall Northern Virginia immigrant population, as presented in the original report published in March 2020. Overall Information on the Northern Virginia economic impact of immigrants during COVID-19, as presented in the addendum report published in October 2020. COVID-19

Northern Virginia Coronavirus (COVID-19) vulnerable population analysis and maps. Track cases and testing of vulnerable populations and communities in Virginia and the Northern Virginia region. Find analysis, data, maps, demographics, dashboards, and story maps. - Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Coronavirus Vulnerable Populations Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Social Vulnerability The U.S. Center for Disease Control's (CDC) 2018 Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) indicates the relative social vulnerability of every Virginia census tract. Social vulnerability is a measure of an area's resilience when confronted by disease outbreaks like the coronavirus (COVID-19) and stress on human nature such as natural or man-made disasters. The SVI can be used by governments and non-government entities to identify communities that may need support. Click on image to go to dashboard Senior Population The senior population has been one of the most vulnerable population in the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. The senior population data and maps are a resource for government and non-government entities to identify communities in Virginia and the Northern Virginia region that may need support. Click on image to go to dashboard Immigrant Population The Immigration Study Dashboard provides a report published on October 21, 2020 that details the role of immigrants in Northern Virginia during the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the impact that the pandemic has had on the immigrant community. The immigrant population is especially vulnerable to gaps in our social safety nets. Understanding this population in Northern Virginia helps better inform local leaders as they aim to implement inclusive emergency response policies. Click on image to download a copy of the report

Northern Virginia income, economically disadvantage populations, workforce, and more demographics, data and graphs by region and county. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). 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.

Northern Virginia town economically disadvantaged populations, poverty, free and reduced price school meal (FARM) student and more demographics, data and graphs. Analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Safety Net Participants Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Safety Net Participants 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. Affordable Care Act The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the comprehensive health care reform law enacted in March 2010. More than 151,000 residents in Northern Virginia in 2024 received health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expenditures in Northern Virginia from 2011 to 2024 are shown in this graph, and the participants are shown in the tables below. 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 standpoint. 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. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and TANF-UP (TANF Unemployed-Families) expenditures in Northern Virginia from 2019 to 2024 are shown in this graph, and the participants are shown in the tables below. Since 2019, 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 standpoint. For additional information on the TANF and TANF-UP programs view the Virginia Department of Social Services's TANF program flyer . Medicaid Expansion The Medicaid Expansion Dashboard, which is maintained by the Virginia Department Medical Assistance Services , shows new health coverage for adults by overall enrollment, age, gender, family income, locality and region of residence.

Federal impact reports and studies on Northern Virginia, DC Metro Area, and Virginia. Federal Monitoring Reports/Resources NVRC Presentations School Planners Forum - June 4, 2025 Federal Impact on School Enrollment Presentation - NVRC's Senior Regional Demographer, Jill Kaneff, presented at the annual regional school planners forum hosted by Loudoun County Public Schools. The forum brought together school planners from across the D.C. region and beyond. Guidance on key demographic and economic indicators to monitor was provided to assist schools plan for the federal impacts on enrollment during these uncertain times caused by the federal layoffs and cutbacks. Virginia House Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions, April 8, 2025 NVRC's Senior Regional Demographer, Jill Kaneff, and the NVRC Chair presented at the committee meeting. The Northern Virginia Federal Workforce presentation is an overview of Northern Virginia federal workforce and data resources available for policy makers and the general public. Economy Virginia Economic Impacts The University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service produces a quarterly economic forecast for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The center also publishes special studies and presentations that focus on the federal impacts. View the Weldon Cooper Center's research reports. Housing Market Bright MLS Bright MLS tracks and reports on the housing market conditions of Northern Virginia's and the Greater D.C. metropolitan area. Bright MLS News and Insights offers insightful research and surveys, covering topics such as the effects of DOGE and federal spending cuts. Featured informative resources also include the following. Monthly Market Report The monthly market reports include a Washington D.C. metro area market report and individual Northern Virginia jurisdiction market reports . These reports present market trends and comparative graphs showing current and historical data. Special Presentation in Coordination with NVRC Lisa Sturtevant, PhD, Chief Economist with Bright MLS, presented at the Loudoun County Public Schools Planners and GIS Forum on June 4, 2025: D.C. Metropolitan Area Housing Market Trends and Outlook . This presentation includes insightful comparative market trends not found in the monthly market reports. The forum brought together school planners from across the D.C. region and beyond. This presentation was part of a two set series on the federal impacts, with the first presentation being NVRC's presentation on Federal Impact on School Enrollment . Northern Virginia Association of Realtors The Northern Virginia Association of Realtor tracks and reports on the housing market conditions of the inner jurisdictions of Northern Virginia with data provided by George Mason University's Center for Regional Analysis and Bright MLS. On an annual basis, a report on housing market forecasts is produced in conjunction with the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University (GMU-CRA).