The 2020 Census results are in, and the growth is real. Richmond’s population exceeded expectations and now stands at 226,610 residents, up 11% from 2010, according to new data.

In other words, that equates to about 22,000 more Richmonders in the past decade. The stats for the Richmond Metro Area — which includes surrounding counties — shows the median age is ~40-years-old, the population is about 43% white + women just barely outnumber men. But the age breakdown is balanced from newborns to age 70.

Demographic breakdown for Richmond in 2020 | Data via Censusreporter

Why is this happening now?

Every 10 years, the US Census Bureau collects nationwide population and demographic data, which is used to redraw congressional and state legislative district lines + determine federal spending.

What did we find?

In terms of population growth, the Associated Press reports the city of Richmond as well as Henrico + Chesterfield counties all grew faster than the statewide average.
Henrico’s population grew 8% over the past decade, bringing the total population to over 334,000 residents. Additionally, Chesterfield’s population jumped 15%, from just over 316,000 residents to 364,548.
Richmond’s total housing units — occupied + unoccupied houses, condos, apartments, and mobile homes — increased 13.8%, from 98,349 to almost 112,000 + 92% of all housing is occupied.

Why does this matter?

Redistricting, or the process of redrawing council and school districts, is completed every 10 years after the US Census is finalized. New voting district boundaries must be balanced by population and follow traditional redistricting criteria.

With the census data now available, Virginia is getting ready to redraw its 11 congressional districts and 113 school districts. The plans are expected to be finalized in late 2021 or early 2022.