[Archived] Alexandria Receives First Local-Level Results from the 2020 Census

­­For Immediate Release: August 18, 2021

Recent data released from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the City of Alexandria gained nearly 20,000 new residents, and that it is becoming more diverse. On August 12, the U.S. Census Bureau released the first local-level results from the 2020 U.S. Census. States use the data on voting-age population, race and ethnicity, and housing units to redraw the boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts. 

The data received indicates that the City of Alexandria’s 2020 population was 159,467, an increase of 19,501 residents over the past decade. This increase represents a 13.9% increase in population, compared to an overall state population increase of 7.9%, in the past 10 years. Alexandria’s percentage of growth was comparable to that of neighboring Arlington County.

The Hispanic or Latino community’s population grew from 22,524 to 29,372 residents (30%), outpacing Alexandria's overall growth (13.9%). The city’s housing unit count increased by 8,103, with an average household size of 2.11 residents, an increase from the 2010 average household size of 2.06. 

“This Census data release, as well as future releases, are key to planning and implementing government services that are responsive to the needs of our residents,” said City Manager Mark Jinks. “Thanks to the hard work of Alexandria’s Complete Count Committee, chaired by City Council member Canek Aguirre, and the community’s response, the accurate count achieved in 2020 will help us learn about Alexandria’s population and serve all residents equitably.”

In November 2020, the City was notified by the U.S. Census Bureau that the Alexandria community achieved a complete count in the 2020 U.S. Census. An accurate count is important because U.S. Census data is used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and allocate more than $675 billion in federal resources to state and local governments. 

Visit alexandriava.gov/Census2020 for more information about the 2020 U.S. Census.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.