Virginia’s population grew 1.2% in 2011, reaching 8.1 million, according to the official population estimate developed by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Nationally, population growth hit 1.0%. Virginia posted the 13th highest growth rate and the seventh largest numerical gain.
Consistent with long-standing trends, the largest gains were concentrated in the Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and Richmond metropolitan areas. But Fredericksburg was the fastest-growing locality, experiencing a growth rate of 4.9%.
While Southside and Southwest Virginia continued losing population, some independent cities showed modest growth, including economically hard-hit Danville and Martinsville.
— JAB
