Charlottesville Demographics and Population Trends
Charlottesville, Virginia, an independent city and the county seat of Albemarle County, boasts a rich history and vibrant community. Named after Queen Charlotte, the city is known for its proximity to the homes of former U.S. presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, as well as the University of Virginia, founded by Jefferson. This article delves into the demographic composition of Charlottesville, focusing on population trends, ethnic diversity, economic indicators, and other factors that shape the city's identity.
Population Overview
In 2023, Charlottesville, VA, had a population of 45,863 people with a median age of 32.9. This reflects a 0.92% decline from 46,289 in 2022. Despite the population decrease, the median household income grew from $67,177 to $69,829, a 3.95% increase.
Population & Citizenship
Charlottesville is home to a population of 45.9k people, from which 94.1% are citizens. As of 2023, 10.1% of Charlottesville, VA residents were born outside of the country (4.61k people).
Historical Context
Charlottesville was established in 1762 by an Act of the Assembly of Albemarle County, with Thomas Walker named as its first trustee. The city's location along Three Notch'd Road (now U.S. Route 250), which connected Richmond to the Great Valley, contributed to its early growth.
Race and Ethnicity
The ethnic composition of Charlottesville is predominantly White (Non-Hispanic), accounting for 64.4% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (16.8%), Asian (Non-Hispanic) (7%), White (Hispanic) (3.64%), and Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) (3.52%).
Read also: Charlottesville's The Draftsman
In 2023, there were 3.83 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (29.5k people) in Charlottesville, VA than any other race or ethnicity. There were 7.72k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 3.21k Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.
Diversity Trends
As of 2023, 10.1% of Charlottesville residents were born outside the country.
Economic Landscape
Charlottesville's economy employs 24k people. The largest industries in Charlottesville, VA are Educational Services (6,529 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (3,103 people), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (2,892 people). The highest paying industries were Utilities ($181,750), Finance & Insurance ($82,396), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services ($81,111).
From 2022 to 2023, employment in Charlottesville, VA grew at a rate of 0.184%, from 24k employees to 24k employees.
Employment Sectors
The most common employment sectors for those who live in Charlottesville, VA, are Educational Services (6,529 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (3,103 people), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (2,892 people).
Read also: Accommodation near University of Virginia
Income and Poverty
In 2023, the median household income of the 19.7k households in Charlottesville, VA grew to $69,829 from the previous year's value of $67,177. However, 22.6% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Charlottesville, VA (9.7k out of 42.9k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.4%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 18 - 24, followed by Males 18 - 24 and then Females 25 - 34.
The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Charlottesville, VA is White, followed by Black and Asian.
Housing and Living
The median property value in Charlottesville, VA was $448,400 in 2023, which is 1.48 times larger than the national average of $303,400. Between 2022 and 2023 the median property value increased from $398,400 to $448,400, a 12.6% increase. The homeownership rate in Charlottesville, VA is 43.7%, which is lower than the national average of 65%.
Education and the University of Virginia
Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia, a major influence on the city's demographics and economy. During the academic year, over 20,000 students enter Charlottesville to attend the university. The University is the area’s No. 1 employer, with more than 18,000 faculty and staff.
Educational Attainment
The most common educational levels obtained by the working population in 2023 were High School or Equivalent (1.72M), Bachelors Degree (1.5M), and Some college (1.37M).
Read also: Tradition and UVA
Civic Engagement
In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Virginia went to Kamala Harris with 51.8% of the vote. The runner-up was Donald J. Trump (46.1%), followed by Other (0.905%). Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are the senators currently representing the state of Virginia.
Commuting and Transportation
In 2023, 53.2% of workers in Charlottesville, VA drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (19.3%) and those who walked to work (12.8%). People in Charlottesville, VA have an average commute time of 16.9 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Charlottesville, VA is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.
A Look Back at History
Unlike much of Virginia, Charlottesville was spared the brunt of the American Civil War. After Reconstruction ended, Charlottesville's African American population suffered under Jim Crow laws that segregated public places and limited opportunity. In 1965, the city government razed the downtown African American neighborhood Vinegar Hill as an urban renewal project. Starting in the 2010s Charlottesville received national attention because of local conflict between those who did and those who did not want Confederate symbols removed.
Key Attractions and Cultural Venues
Charlottesville's downtown is a center of business for Albemarle County. It is home to the Downtown Mall, one of the longest outdoor pedestrian malls in the nation, with stores, restaurants, theaters and civic attractions. The renovated Paramount Theater hosts various events, including Broadway shows and concerts. Charlottesville features dozens of public murals located across restaurants, community spaces, and streets in several neighborhoods.
tags: #charlottesville #demographics #population #including #students
