Archives: Research

Research
After a decade of slow growth, many of Virginia’s exurbs are booming again (UVA Weldon-Cooper, 2023)

Before the Great Recession in the late 2000s, Louisa County was among the fastest growing counties in the nation. Lake Anna’s 200 miles of shoreline helped attract thousands of retirees to the county, while Louisa’s low cost of living and proximity to Charlottesville, Northern Virginia, and Richmond attracted many younger residents willing to make a long commute to the metro areas. After a decade of slow growth in population following the 2000s housing crash, the 2022 Virginia Population Estimates that our center released show Louisa and many other counties located on the borders of Virginia’s metro areas are booming again.

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Research
In the era of remote work, housing costs may slow Virginia population growth further (UVA Weldon-Cooper, 2022)

On July 13, 2022, the Demographics Research Group of the UVA Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service presented an analysis of the interrelationship between Virginia’s housing market and population trends to the General Assembly’s Housing Commission. After receiving a number of inquiries regarding the presentation, they shared a summary of the presentation with expanded commentary on some noteworthy trends.

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Research
Loudoun County Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan (2021)

The Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan (PDF), approved in September 2021, defines how the county will address the unmet housing needs of households in a systematic and comprehensive way with integrated programs. The plan recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the housing issue; it will take multiple approaches applied in combination to address the issue of housing affordability; and there is no one type of housing need. The plan was developed through a strategic planning process as a key implementation step of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan.

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Research
Housing GVA: Goochland County Housing Study & Strategy (HDAdvisors, 2021)

The picturesque rural setting and strong community of Goochland County has been why many residents continue to call Goochland home, but those same characteristics have drawn residents from near and far. The attractiveness of Goochland County has only increased as COVID-19’s impacts on the housing market are being felt as new buyers look for more open space and privacy. But Goochland County faces a difficult balancing act: preserving its rural character while also ensuring that a diverse set of people can afford to live there. This report was prepared by HDAdvisors, who also staffs HousingForward Virginia.

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Research
City of Harrisonburg Comprehensive Housing Study & Market Analysis (2021)

The more than 200-page report, the first ever conducted by the City, views housing needs through the lens of social determinants of health, introduced by the World Health Organization, to quantify existing housing supply, assess demand for different housing types, identify barriers to meeting demands, and list potential policy tools to address housing gaps. The study produced 21 recommendations structured to establish a foundation to address affordable housing now and in the future.

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Research
Bath County Housing Needs Assessment & Market Analysis (2020)

The purpose of the study is to understand and quantify the county's housing affordability and availability challenge, envision how the county’s quality of life could change in light of a shrinking year-round population and limited workforce housing options, and offer tools and strategies for addressing the issue.

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Research
Farmville/Prince Edward County Housing Study (HDAdvisors, 2019)

While the amount of new housing estimated to be produced in the Study Area given current trends is sufficient to meet future needs, the price point and housing size are not targeted to the population’s needs. This report was prepared by HDAdvisors, who also staffs HousingForward Virginia.

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