Workforce

Stafford is one of Virginia’s fastest growing localities in terms of both jobs and population. The number of jobs created in Stafford between September 2002 and September 2007 was 8,328. This number is an increase of 31.5% or 6.3% annually. The number of Stafford businesses grew 38% between 2001 and 2006, from 1,570 to 2,166.

According to census data, the population grew 51% between 1980 and 1990 from 40,470 to 61,236, and an additional 49% to 92,446, from 1990 to 2000. The average household size of 3.01 persons and median age of 33.1 indicates that Stafford is attracting young, growing families. In addition, 81% of homes in Stafford are owner occupied.

Stafford’s labor force is vibrant and versatile. Local employers also draw from an expanded regional labor force. In 2006, the population of the Rappahannock Region was 309,483, with a civilian labor force of 162,139.

Labor Fast Facts

Stafford Civilian labor force: 65,321 (January 2008); At place employment 34,757(September 2007).
Unemployment rate for 2006: 2.4%.
Average Household Income: $92,554.
Average weekly wage per employee: $749.
Virginia is a Right-to-Work state, and has the lowest unemployment insurance rate in the nation.
The rate of new jobs created in Stafford between 2002 & 2007 rose 6.3% annually, exceeding the state average increase of 1.6%. *
2008 population estimate is 122,800.

*Center for Public Service, University of Virginia.

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