|
Contacts:
Alan Fogg, Director, Communications
afogg@fceda.org, 703-790-0600 (o) or 571-213-5065 (m)
We’re number one: Fairfax County has highest income levels of large U.S. counties
County moves up in rankings; earns high marks in additional categories
Fairfax County, Virginia USA, October 5, 2005 – Fairfax County ranks first among large U.S. counties with the highest median family and household income in 2004, according to the American Community Survey recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Fairfax County, just outside Washington, D.C., ranked fifth in both the median family and household income rankings in the 2003 American Community Survey.
Fairfax County had a 2004 median family income of $90,194, while the 2004 median household income was $88,133. Both numbers reflect inflation-adjusted dollars.
Fairfax County has about 600,000 jobs, and has been a national leader in job creation this decade. Companies here added 25,000 jobs in 2004 alone.
Fairfax County earned four other top 10 rankings in the 2004 American Community Survey:
- Number 2 for 57.4 percent of residents 25 years and over who have completed a bachelor’s degree.
- Number 4 for 27.4 percent of residents 25 years and over who have completed an advanced degree.
- Number 5 for 5.5 percent of civilian employed residents 16 years and over in the information industry.
- Number 8 for 15.7 percent of the population who identified themselves as Asian.
“Economic development is more than attracting and retaining jobs. It’s about jobs that create wealth and provide opportunities for everyone to succeed, and it’s also about developing a superior quality of life,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA).
The American Community Survey is conducted annually by the Census Bureau in counties with more than 250,000 residents. Rankings are online at http://factfinder.census.gov. Click on “Ranking Tables.”
Business growth helps Fairfax County fund public services such as a top-ranked public school system and library, public safety, social services and park systems that improve the quality of life. Fairfax County offers diverse real estate opportunities near Washington, D.C., access to domestic and international markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, a business community based on technology and professional services, and a well-educated workforce.
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org), which has been recognized by Site Selection magazine as one of the top economic development groups, promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA assists businesses by identifying possible sites and facilities, and provides demographic and economic statistics. The FCEDA’s Capital Attraction Program links technology entrepreneurs with potential investors, and another program supports the growth of small and minority-owned companies. The FCEDA maintains overseas offices in Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv.
# # #
| 
