Virginia is a beautiful state, home to the mountains, one-fourth of the Appalachian Trail, beautiful scenery, and a collection of quaint little towns and larger cities. But, which city is the largest, and will its annual population growth rate continue to make it the largest city 30 years from now? Read on to discover what the largest city in Virginia is now and which city is predicted to be the largest in 2050.
What City is the Largest in Virginia Now
Virginia Beach experienced its largest increase in population between 2019 and 2020, with a 1.9% growth rate.
The largest city in Virginia is Virginia Beach, with a population of 459,471 as of the 2020 census. It is the 41st largest US city, ranking above such large cities as Miami, Oakland, and New Orleans. The population growth rate from the 2010 census is 4.3%, a pretty significant increase.
Virginia Beach Demographics and Economics
The largest employment sector in Virginia Beach is currently the government sector, followed by the health care and social assistance sector. NAS Oceana, the naval jet airbase located in the city, is one of Virginia Beach’s largest employers. With numerous other air bases within the area, the city has many military residents.
The median household income in Virginia Beach is about $78,000, which increased from around $76,600 the previous year. In Virginia Beach, 7.2% of the population live in poverty. Compared to the national average of 12.8% of US citizens living in poverty, that’s much lower.
What Makes Virginia Beach a Good Place to Live?
Virginia Beach offers commercial and nonprofit work as well as play in wooded areas, freshwater ponds, and the sandy dunes along the coast.: OceanicWanderer, Shutterstock
©OceanicWanderer/Shutterstock.com
For those looking for employment, Virginia Beach offers some great options. Companies such as Geico, Amerigroup, Stihl, and NAS Oceana are big employers in this city. There are also abundant opportunities in non-profit agencies, education, and healthcare.
Virginia Beach has a multitude of recreational offerings. There are waterways, gorgeous beachfront areas, nature refuges, and the First Landing State Park. Outdoors-oriented people can take advantage of the lush forest, freshwater ponds, and the sandy dunes along the coast.
There are amazing places to eat and shop at the Town Center. The Center also has a vibrant arts scene and a dynamic nightlife. The balance between having urban amenities in a city without the congestion and stress of other urban areas is another factor that makes Virginia Beach a good place to live.
What Will Be the Largest City in Virginia in 2050?
It is predicted that Virginia Beach will remain the largest city in Virginia in 2050. Currently, the second largest city in Virginia is Chesapeake with a population of 242,647. The comparison table at the end of the article gives the data for the top five largest Virginia cities.
Even though the annual growth rate from 2017-2022 is slightly larger for Chesapeake, its current population is only a little more than half that of Virginia Beach. By looking at the growth rate from 2022, which is significantly higher than the other four cities, the predicted population for Virginia Beach 30 years from now is 501,022 — if the growth rate remains steady.
A statue of King Neptune is a favorite tourist attraction at Virginia Beach.
©/Shutterstock.com
Comparison Table of the Top 5 Largest Cities in Virginia
| Ranking | City | Population | Annual Population Growth (2017-22) | Annual Population Growth (2022) | Total Area | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Virginia Beach | 459,471 | 0.1% | 5.2% | 244.7 sq mi | $78,136 |
| 2. | Chesapeake | 242,647 | 0.5% | 2.9% | 338.5 sq mi | $81,261 |
| 3. | Norfolk | 244,300 | -0.3% | 2.8% | 53.3 sq mi | $53,026 |
| 4. | Richmond | 229,233 | 0.7% | 2.7% | 59.9 sq mi | $244,200 |
| 5. | Newport News | 179,582 | -0.2% | 2.1% | 69 sq mi | $194,700 |
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