Flag of Virginia

Virginia

VA · Data from 2022–2023 government sources

Virginia, the Old Dominion, is where English America began and where many of the nation's founding ideals took shape. From the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown (1607) to the surrender at Appomattox that ended the Civil War, Virginia has been at the center of American history. Today, it is one of the most economically dynamic states, powered by the federal government, technology, military installations, and a booming Northern Virginia corridor.

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History

Virginia was the site of Jamestown (1607), the first permanent English settlement in North America. The colony became a cradle of American independence — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe were all Virginians. Virginia was the most powerful state in the early republic, providing four of the first five presidents. During the Civil War, Richmond served as the Confederate capital, and more battles were fought on Virginia soil than in any other state. Virginia's history also includes the dark legacy of slavery — the first Africans brought to English North America arrived at Point Comfort in 1619.

Economy

Virginia's economy is one of the strongest and most diversified in the nation. Northern Virginia, adjacent to Washington D.C., is a technology and defense industry powerhouse — Amazon's HQ2 is in Arlington, and the Dulles Technology Corridor includes major government contractors and data centers. The Pentagon, CIA, and numerous military bases make defense spending a major economic driver. Virginia is also a leader in agriculture (particularly tobacco, wine, and peanuts), shipbuilding (Newport News Shipbuilding), and tourism.

Geography & Landmarks

Virginia covers 42,775 square miles with five distinct geographic regions: the Coastal Plain (Tidewater), Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau. Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway offer stunning mountain scenery. The Chesapeake Bay borders the east. Virginia Beach has one of the longest pleasure beaches in the world. The state extends from sea level to 5,729 feet at Mount Rogers. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connecting Virginia's Eastern Shore to the Hampton Roads mainland spans 17.6 miles, making it one of the longest bridge-tunnel complexes in the world. Shenandoah National Park protects 200,000 acres along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with Skyline Drive running 105 miles along the ridgeline.

Wild horses on the dunes at Assateague

Assateague Island National SeashoreNPS Photo

Source: NPS API

Culture & Traditions

Virginia's cultural heritage is woven into the fabric of America itself, from the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown (1607) to the presidential estates of Mount Vernon, Monticello, and Montpelier. The state's literary tradition includes Edgar Allan Poe (who lived in Richmond), Tom Wolfe, and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist William Styron. Virginia's culinary identity features Smithfield ham (salt-cured since the colonial era), Brunswick stew, Virginia peanuts, and a thriving wine industry with over 300 wineries — the most of any state south of New York. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the country with free general admission. The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, the State Theatre of Virginia and the longest-running professional theatre in the country, was founded in 1933 when patrons bartered produce for admission during the Depression.

Notable Cities

Richmond

Capital

The state capital and former capital of the Confederacy. A city rich in history, with a revitalized downtown, world-class museums, and the James River running through it.

227,171

Population

$59,606

Median income

$308,300

Home value

$1,227

Median rent

34.5

Median age

6.0%

Unemployment

43.2%

Homeownership

41,357

Bachelor's+

Virginia Beach

The most populous city in Virginia and a major resort destination with miles of Atlantic beaches, a lively boardwalk, and a strong military presence.

Arlington

Home to the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Amazon's HQ2. One of the most affluent and educated communities in the country.

Charlottesville

Home to the University of Virginia (designed by Thomas Jefferson) and Jefferson's Monticello. A college town in the Blue Ridge foothills with a thriving wine and food scene.

Williamsburg

Home to Colonial Williamsburg, the world's largest living history museum, and the College of William & Mary (founded 1693, the second-oldest college in America).

Capital city data: Census Bureau ACS 5-Year (2022)

Intel File · Fun Facts

01

Virginia has produced more U.S. presidents (8) than any other state: Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, W.H. Harrison, Tyler, Taylor, and Wilson.

02

The Pentagon in Arlington is the world's largest office building, with 6.5 million square feet of floor space and over 17 miles of corridors.

03

Virginia's Shenandoah Valley is home to over 40 wineries — the state ranks fifth nationally in wine production.

04

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, connecting Virginia's Eastern Shore to Virginia Beach, spans 17.6 miles over and under the bay.

05

The first Thanksgiving in America may have been at Berkeley Plantation, Virginia in 1619 — two years before the Pilgrims' celebration at Plymouth.

Data & Statistics

Demographics

Population
8,624,511
Median income
$87,249
Median age
38.7
Median home value
$339,800
Below poverty line
836,686
Bachelor's degree+
1,366,160

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2022)

Agriculture

Total farms
38,995
Cropland
2,884,293 acres
Market value
$5,492M

Source: USDA NASS, Census of Agriculture (2022)

Public Health

Obesity rate
34.3%
Diabetes rate
11.8%
Smoking rate
10.9%
High blood pressure
35.6%
Uninsured
7.9%

Source: CDC BRFSS Prevalence Data (2023, 2022 fallback)

National Parks & Sites

National parks
1
Total NPS sites
33
Sites
Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, Assateague Island National Seashore, Blue Ridge Parkway, Booker T Washington National Monument, Cape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical Park, Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Chesapeake Bay, Civil War Defenses of Washington, Colonial National Historical Park, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, George Washington Birthplace National Monument, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Great Falls Park, Green Springs, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Historic Jamestowne Part of Colonial National Historical Park, Maggie L Walker National Historic Site, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Petersburg National Battlefield, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Prince William Forest Park, Richmond National Battlefield Park, Shenandoah National Park, Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Yorktown Battlefield Part of Colonial National Historical Park

Source: National Park Service API

Climate

Avg temperature
55.9°F
Avg high
67.3°F
Avg low
44.2°F
Annual precipitation
44.3 in
Annual snowfall
13.4 in

Source: NOAA Climate Normals (2010)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Virginia?

Richmond is the capital of Virginia. It was also the capital of the Confederate States of America during most of the Civil War (1861-1865).

What is Northern Virginia (NoVA)?

Northern Virginia (NoVA) refers to the suburban counties and cities adjacent to Washington, D.C. — primarily Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties. It is one of the wealthiest and most educated regions in the country, driven by federal government, technology, and defense industries.

What is Colonial Williamsburg?

Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia is the world's largest living history museum. It recreates the 18th-century colonial capital with over 500 restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and working tradespeople. About 4 million people visit annually.

What is the significance of Jamestown?

Jamestown, established in 1607, was the first permanent English settlement in North America. It was the capital of Virginia for most of the 17th century. The settlement's story includes Captain John Smith, Pocahontas, the introduction of enslaved Africans (1619), and the first representative assembly in America (the House of Burgesses, 1619).

Data sources

U.S. Census Bureau · USDA NASS · CDC BRFSS · National Park Service · NOAA CDO

This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau. This product uses the NASS API but is not endorsed or certified by NASS.

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