Demographic Change in Northern Virginia
Posted by Maher on August 26, 2011
A quick aside…
Hispanic demographic changes in Virginia have significantly impacted social and political realities in the state. For example, Culpeper County experienced a 385% increase in its Hispanic population in the last ten years, equaling an absolute increase of 3,299 inhabitants. Northern neighbor Fauquier County similarly registered an increase of 275%, or 3,064 inhabitants over the same period. Still further to the northeast, Prince William County, known nationally for its controversial immigration policies, added 54,122 Hispanic inhabitants, a 198% increase.
Net population increases in these counties have brought massive development in the way of thousands of single-family homes, improved roads, shopping malls, and increased tax revenue. But, perhaps most striking is the pace at which Hispanic population growth has outstripped overall population growth.
|
County |
2010 Pop. |
2010 % Inc. |
Hispanic % Inc |
Hisp. Diff (+/-) |
|
Prince William |
402,002 |
43% |
198% |
+ 155 |
|
Fauquier |
65,203 |
18% |
275% |
+ 257 |
|
Culpeper |
46,689 |
36% |
385% |
+ 349 |
|
Madison |
13,308 |
6% |
146% |
+ 140 |
|
Orange |
33,481 |
29% |
245% |
+ 216 |
|
Albemarle |
98,970 |
25% |
167% |
+ 142 |
Only sampling the typically rural counties between Prince William and Albemarle, a leisurely 90-minute drive down VA-Route 29, one can see how demographics have dramatically shifted towards a more Latino population. A number of factors have contributed to settling in these counties, including a construction boom in the region and relatively lower property and living costs compared to Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria counties. Virginia’s demographic transformation is set to dramatically alter the commercial, social and political future of the state in the decade to come.
Data/Map Source: CNN
