Virginia Fast Facts:
Location, Location, Location…: Located on the Atlantic Coast of the southern United States, Virginia is shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay, which are home to much of the state’s wildlife.
Cities: The capital city is Richmond, which along with Falls Church serve as the most important financial centers in Virginia.
Behind the Name: Virginia’s nickname is the “Old Dominion” and the “Mother of Presidents.”
A Closer Look: Virginia was one of the original Thirteen Colonies and joined the Confederacy in the American Civil War, during which the state of West Virginia separated.
Did You Know? During the Civil War, Virginia saw more battles fought on its soil than any other state.
Virginia Careers and Employment:
Population: 7,769,089 (9.7% increase since 2000) – 50.9% Female, 49.1% Male (2008 U.S. Census Bureau).
Business Environment: Ranked 1st in Forbes Magazine’s “Best States for Business,” 2008.
Top Industries: In terms of paid employees, according to a 2008 U.S. Census Bureau study: (1) retail trade; (2) health care and social assistance; (3) manufacturing; (4) professional, scientific and technical services; and (5) accommodation and food services.
Taxes: Income Tax, 2.0% to 5.75%% and Sales Tax, 5% (Federation of Tax Administrators).
Cost of Living: 100.6 in relation to the “National Average” of 100 (Federal Cost of Living Index).
Quality of Life: Ranked 18th of 50 states by CNBC, 2009.
Weather: Average Temperature (In °F) – Jan: 34.48; Apr: 54.30; July: 75.10; Oct: 55.76 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
K-12: Ranked 12th of 50 states in “Academic Achievement” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2009.
Virginia Economics:
In General: While tobacco was once the basis of Virginia’s economy, the state has since diversified to include agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and even fishing.
Service Industry: The community, business and personal services group is the most valuable services industry in Virginia.
Agriculture: The state’s most valuable current source of agricultural income is livestock and livestock products. Broilers (5-12 week-old chickens) are the state’s most important agricultural product followed by beef cattle.
Manufacturing: Virginia’s most important processed products are still tobacco-based, followed closely by beverages including soft drinks and beer.
Mining: Coal is the state’s leading mined product.
Fishing: Virginia is a leading crab and oyster producing state in the nation.
A Closer Look: Virginia also boasts businesses for computer programmers, consultants, engineers and researchers generated by the federal government, and AOL, the world’s largest Internet service provider, is based in Virginia.
Did You Know? The Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense, is located in Virginia.
Virginia Education:
Find Colleges and Universities in Virginia, here.
Sources: In addition to specific citations noted in this “Career Information” section, supplementary source materials include: the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; Netstate.com; Education-Portal.com; USCollegeSearch.org; and Wikipedia.com.
