Detailed results of the 2020 U.S. Census reveal population shifts that could have longer-term impacts on politics and public policy. Overall, Virginia’s population grew from 2010 to 2020 by nearly 7.9%, to 8.6 million. In the mountainous areas of Virginia, there was growth in Augusta County (5%) and Rockingham County (9.8%) but population decreases in Nelson (1.6%), Alleghany (6.3%), Highland (3.8%) and Bath (11%). A review of Virginia’s census results by Cardinal News on April 20 revealed there is a noticeable shift underway of population away from some Northern Virginia counties.
West Virginia’s population decreased from 2010 to 2020 by 3,2%, but the mountainous counties’ population decreased at a greater rate: Pocahontas by 9.7%, Greenbrier by 7.1%, Randolph by 5% and Pendleton by 20.2%.
For more on the 2020 U.S. Census results by state, click here.