6 Graphs On Race And Income That Will Change The Way You Look At Fairfax, VA

With a median household income of $110,292, Fairfax County, Virginia, is one of the wealthiest counties in the nation—but not all residents share in this economic prosperity. As its population has grown and diversified over the past 25 years, inequities in income and opportunity have also increased, and are experienced most by communities of color. The following statistics and graphs are taken from The Equitable Growth Profile of Fairfax County—a first-of-its kind analysis of racial and economic equity in Fairfax released June 18.

1. Since 1980, the percentage people of color has more than tripled in Fairfax, VA.

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Over the past 25 years, Fairfax has diversified faster than the nation as a whole, and this change is projected to continue with the county becoming majority people of color by 2020 and 72 percent people of color by 2040.

2. Communities of color and immigrant populations are leading the county’s growth. Nearly 1 in 3 residents of Fairfax are immigrants.

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The Latino population grew by 57 percent over the past decade, adding 62,000 residents. The Asian population also grew significantly (56 percent) adding 69,000 residents. The White population declined over the decade.

3. Child poverty rates are 4 times higher among residents of color.

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While only about 3 percent of both U.S.- and foreign-born White youth live below the federal poverty level, 18 percent of all Black youth and 15 percent of U.S.-born Latino youth live in poverty, as do 11 percent of all Middle Eastern youth.

4. The region has seen a sharp rise in income inequality since 1979.

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Though income inequality in Fairfax County is lower than the national average, the region has seen a sharp rise in income inequality since 1979. This inequality is reflected in differences by race and geography, with communities of color in the southeastern portion appearing to have lower socioeconomic status and ranking lower in measures for educational, health, and economic opportunity.

5. Residents of color in Fairfax are paid $9-16/hour less than their White counterparts.

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Residents of color in Fairfax are paid consistently less than their White counterparts, even when controlling for educational attainment. Even among those with a college education, Blacks and Middle Easterners in Fairfax earn $9/hour less than Whites, and Latinos earn $16/hour less.

6. Racial gaps in income cost the county $26B in 2012.

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If racial gaps in income were closed, the county’s GDP would have been about $26 billion larger in 2012 (a 24% increase).

For more information on Fairfax or to see equity profiles for other metropolitan areas, check out the National Equity Atlas.