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Demographic and economic data, reports, and resources covering Northern Virginia. Compiled and analyzed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. NOVA Region Dashboard Northern Virginia Regional Commission This dashboard provides detailed information about the Northern Virginia community's demographics, economics, and the people who live and work in Northern Virginia. This dashboard is maintained by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission . All data on this dashboard is best viewed on a desktop computer. Check back here regularly to see new analyses and finding. You may also subscribe to the NVRC Blog an d News and Highlights to be alerted when there is new analyses available. If we can help you with your data needs, please give us a call at 703-642-0700 or send us an email . Federal Monitoring Reports/Resources 2020 Census People Education Economics

Northern Virginia economic monitoring of the 2025-2029 presidential administration's federal cutbacks. Analysis conducted by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Federal Monitoring Federal Monitoring of Northern Virginia Northern Virginia has approximately 12 percent of its residents employed in the federal government. The federal government budgetary cutback and job layoffs that the new presidential administration began implementing in January 2025 will have deep economic impacts on the region. Detailed information for understanding and monitoring the federal impacts is available on the following topics . Fact Sheet Maps Safety Net Participants Unemployment Claims Workforce

Information on the census purpose, responding, tracking 2020 Census responses and participation in Northern Virginia. A regional information and data resource from the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. 2020 Census Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Analysis of 2020 Decennial Census NVRC Regional Data Analysis and Analysis Timeline Northern Virginia Regional Commission plans to do extensive data analysis of the region. Results of the data analyses will be posted on this NOVA Region Dashboard are currently posted under the People section. A Hou sing section will soon be added to the dashboard to assess the 2020 Census Results and trends. NVRC's regional analyses utilizing the results of the 2020 Census Demographic Profile and Demographic and Housing Characteristics released by the U.S. Census Bureau in May 2023 will be occur during the 2nd-half of 2023 and will continue into 2024. Note, the 2020 Decennial Census does not provide characteristics on education and economics. Census Bureau Nationwide Data Analysis The Census Bureau is continually publishing 2020 Census analyses through a series of data visualizations , America Counts stories , and videos to help illustrate and explain the Census results and the country's demograph ic characteristics. Access Data and Data Release Timeline The 2020 Decennial Census is being released in multiple phases through multiple products. The Demographic Profile, Demographic and Housing Characteristics, and redistricting data all are injected with random statistical “noise” using the differential privacy approach to prevent disclosure of personal information. Caution should be utilized when using this data. The larger the population size of a geographic area, the more accurate the data and the diminished likelihood of having implausible data with the 2020 Census. The 2020 Census has statistical noise infused to protect confidentiality. The impact of statistical noise decreases with larger geographies. For more information, on the statistic noise injected, privacy, and accuracy, see the information under Privacy and Accuracy of 2020 Census Data . Demographic Profile and Demographic and Housing Characteristics - Released May 2023 The 2020 Census Demographic Profile and Demographic and Housing Characteristics were released. These files contain 2020 Census data on characteristics of the population (i.e. age, sex race), characteristics of households (i.e. household size, rent/own, families). Access and view Northern Virginia regional data: County/City County/City Demographic Profile County/City Demographic and Housing Characteristics Incorporated Towns Incorporated Towns Demographic Profile Incorporated Town Demographic and Housing Characteristics Redistricting Demographic Data - Released August and September 2021 Redistricting dem ographic data released to the public. This release contains population, race/ethnicity, age, housing units, and housing tenure data for c ounties, cities, and geographies as small as census blocks. The second product set will contain more detail demographic and housing characteristics data. Access and view Northern Virginia regional data: County/City County/City Redistricting Data Incorporated Towns Not Available Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics DHC-A - Released September 2023 The Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics file were released in three phases, with the first one being the Detailed DHC-A released September 2023. Included in this release are detailed population counts, sex, and age for approximately 370 racial and ethnic groups and places of origin, such as German, Lebanese, Chinese, and Mexican. Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics DHC-B - Released August 2024 The Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics Detailed DHC-B released August 2024. The Detailed DHC-B includes detailed household type (e.g., family or non-family) and tenure for approximately 370 racial and ethnic groups and places of origin , such as German, Lebanese, Chinese, and Mexican. Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics S-DHC - Released September 19, 2024 The Detailed Demographic and Housing Characteristics Supplemental DHC (S-DHC) was released September 2024. It includes complex relationships between the characteristics about households and the people living in them, including average household size, average household size by age and tenure, and household and family type for people under 18 years old. Privacy and Accuracy of 2020 Census Data The Demographic Profile, Demographic and Housing Characteristics, and redistricting data all are injected with random statistical “noise” using the differential privacy approach to prevent disclosure of personal information. For the Demographic and Housing Characteristics, the Census Bureau released statistical error metrics (Excel File) to help users understand the variation in the data introduced by using differential privacy. Additional guidance to users is provided by the U.S. Census Bureau in the blog post, What to Expect: Disclosure Avoidance and the 2020 Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics File . For decades, the U.S. Census Bureau has used different techniques to protect individual privacy through their Disclosure Avoidance System (DAS). Differential Privacy (DP) is the latest technique. This technique was chosen because enhanced privacy protection is needed due to advances in technology that enable the ability to identify individuals when combined with other information. DP impacts data accuracy more than any other technique previously applied to decennial census results. DP will add random data (“noise”) to counts for geographic areas below the state level, to prevent identification of individuals. The amount of noise added to the data will be greater than any prior decennial census technique. The impact of statistical noise decreases the larger the population size of a geographic area. From 2019 through 2022, Northern Virginia jurisdictions, through the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), participated in the U.S. Census Bureau’s DP demonstration data review and provided feedback to the U.S. Census Bureau. The following document is a brief overview of DP and the impacts it has on data quality. Click on the image to download. For an in-depth description of DP go to the Census Bureau's DP website . Download a copy of the Differential Privacy Fact Sheet Privacy Accuracy

Demographic, economic, and other data resources and reports published by Northern Virginia Regional Commission. Data Reports and Resources Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Fact Sheets Regional Fact Sheets Demographic and Economic Highlights Demographic and economic overview of the region. Last updated: Feb. 7, 2025 Monthly Report Population Change Population change trends before and after the pandemic, including components of change: Domestic migration International migration Births/deaths Last updated: April 5, 2024 Annual Report Federal Jobs Overview of federal jobs in the region. How many jobs and where in the region do federal workers live and work. Last updated: Feb. 21, 2025 Special Report Reports Regional Reports and Studies Population and Households State of the Region: Shifting Migration Patterns - Affordable Housing Needs Slower population growth has occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic. This report examines the domestic migration volume and patterns underlying this, including the extent to which housing affordability, income, and age of persons are playing a role. Published January 2025. Special Report Economic Economic Tracking Report A report tracking economic indicators, including labor force, employment, unemployment, and industry sectors. Last updated: Mar. 5 2025 Monthly Report Foreign Direct Investment A report on foreign direct investment that uncovers the depths of economic engagement and activity that Northern Virginia has with the world. Published October 31, 2023. Key highlights of the report are listed in a report infographic. A corresponding m ap highligh ts the countries with direct economic co ntri bu tion s in Northern Virginia. Special Report State of the Region: Economic Recovery and Transformation from COVID-19 Pandemic A report on the state of the Northern Virginia region's economic recovery and the transformation from the COVID-19 pandemic. Published July 2022. Special Report Supporting Northern Virginia's Minority Owned Businesses A study on the minority-owned business community, how they were impacted by the pandemic, and recommendations for supporting them th rough the pandemic economic recovery and in the future beyond the pandemic. Published June 2021. Special Report Immigration One Region: Welcoming New Americans to Northern Virginia A study of the economic impact of immigrants to the region. Published March 2020. Special Report One Region: Addendu m A study addendum to the original report that was published in March 2020. This addendum assessed the economic impact of immigrants relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis response. Published October 2020. Special Report

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). Education Information on education of the overall Northern Virginia region and its county and cities. Overall Information on education of Northern Virginia incorporated towns . Towns

Northern Virginia unemployment claims data and charts for monitoring the federal cutback impacts. Unemployment Claims Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Unemployment Claims Unemployment initial claims serve as an indicator of economic health. This data measures the number of people filing for unemployment benefits for the first time. It provides policymakers and economists with the timeliest data about labor market conditions, often foreshadowing broader economic conditions that are reported on a monthly basis in state and federal job reports and databases. Note: 1. Federally filed claims are delayed by weeks or months. Therefore, the large number of federal layoffs that have occurred in early 2025 have yet to be reported in the Department of Labor's data for the U.S. and the states. 2. County level unemployment claims data is published on a weekly and monthly basis by the Commonwealth of Virginia, of which the weekly data had discrepancies as of March 1, 2025 that the state is correcting. Once the state corrects the weekly data, NVRC will publish Northern Virginia and local jurisdiction data. The monthly data will not be available for March until late April, as it has a one month lag.

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). Education Overall Education Data of Northern Virginia What is it that sets Northern Virginia apart from other places, that gives Northern Virginia its competitive edge, that makes it such a unique, dynamic and interesting place? It’s unparalleled human capital, the people who live here, work here, and come here from all corners of the globe. Proximity to the nation’s capital has transformed Northern Virginia and the entire Washington metropolitan area into one of America’s — and the world’s — most dynamic, fastest growing, economically advanced, highly-educated , prosperous, and culturally-diverse regions on the planet. The region has some of the top, most renowned public school systems in the nation. The quality of education in the region's public school systems draws numerous amounts of families to the region. The demographic, social, and economic profile of this region shows it. Detailed information on the region and its counties and cities are available on the following education topics . Educational Attainment Student Enrollment

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

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). 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.

Northern Virginia Regional Commission's One Region immigration study, Coronavirus (COVID-19) immigration study, and dashboard assessing the economic impact of immigrants in Northern Virginia. The report and a dashboard of key demographic and economic findings from the report are found here. Immigration Study Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. The Northern Virginia Regional Commission was pleased to collaborate with the Partnership for a New American Economy (NAE) and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia on the study, One Region: Welcoming New Americans to Northern Virginia. The original study was published on March 12, 2020. It is a study of the economic impact of immigrants to the region. An addendum to the study was published on October 21, 2020 that provides immigrant data relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis response . The research was conducted by NAE. NAE has undertaken similar studies throughout the United States. This One Region report dashboard summarizes and reports on immigration in the Northern Virginia region. This dashboard provides quick access to key data pieces found in the report. This One Region immigration dashboard provides data not only of the overall Northern Virginia region, but also on the localities within the region . A webinar was hosted on October 21, 2020. For copies of the presentations and video recording go to the webinar webpage. Download a copy of the original report, published March 2020 Overview of the One Region Report The One Region report is a comprehensive picture of new Americans in Northern Virginia (NOVA). It highlights the size and rapid growth in the immigrant population in the region and their impact on the local economy, including injecting more money into local businesses, property markets, and municipal budgets as consumers, homebuyers, and taxpayers. Immigrants are major contributors to Northern Virginia's (NOVA) economy as highlighted in the report. The NOVA immigrant population is diverse. These people emigrate, seeking a better life for themselves and their families. “Immigrants are a vital part of the economic and social fabric of Northern Virginia. Their success is our success, and we must continue to be a welcoming community for all to ensure our long-term prosperity,” said P. David Tarter, Chairman of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and Mayor of the City of Falls Church. Immigrants are an indispensable part of the local Northern Virginia economy at all levels, as workers, business owners, taxpayers and consumers. Trivia: What is the foreign born share of the population in NOVA? What is the foreign born share of the population in NOVA? Source: U.S Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates. 27.6% Immigrants widen and deepen the labor market with a vast array of skills and levels of expertise. They help businesses, farms, and factories fill workforce gaps at all levels of the labor market, allowing companies to meet market demands and expand their operations, which leads to more job creation. * Except where otherwise noted, the term “immigrant” and “foreign-born” are used interchangeably throughout the NOVA Region Dashboard and in the "One Region" report. COVID-19 Addendum One Region Report Addendum on COVID-19 Response This brief provides a glimpse at 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. The immigrant population is essential to our country’s rapid COVID-19 response efforts. Download a copy of the COVID-19 addendum report published October 2020 Data Charts and Key Findings by Report Topic (best viewed on desktop) The data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates, as well as other sources. The ACS is a survey based on a sample of the population. Sample surveys include a degree of uncertainty and error in the data. The larger the population and housing units of an area or data variable, the more reliable the ACS data. The Northern Virginia regional data is more reliable than the county level data that is presented in the data charts. Users should interpret the data by keeping this in mind. Citizenship Entrepreneurship Internet Access Economy Healthcare Language Spoken Education Housing Labor Force Additional Immigrant Information (best viewed on desktop) Further information about Northern Virginia's immigrant population, from research NVRC has conducted separately from the One Region report, can be found on the People dashboard. People There is a myriad of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide services to immigrants. A number of the local governments in Northern Virginia also provide links to information and services. Where to Get Help

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). 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.