Fairfax County Demographic Report 2024: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

The Fairfax County Demographic Report 2024 presents comprehensive data on population, housing, economic trends, and income distribution as of January 1, 2024. This report highlights the county’s progress in alignment with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Overview of Population and Housing Growth

1. Population Growth (SDG 11): Fairfax County’s population increased by 0.9%, reaching over 1.19 million residents. This growth reflects sustained regional demand and urban development consistent with sustainable community planning.
2. Housing Inventory Expansion (SDG 11): The housing stock grew by 1.1% to 437,144 units, with a notable increase in multifamily housing. This supports inclusive urbanization and affordable housing initiatives.
3. Home Values (SDG 11 & SDG 8): Median market value of owned homes rose by 2.4% to $708,383, indicating a robust real estate market that contributes to economic stability and wealth generation.
4. Household Income Trends (SDG 10): Median household income decreased modestly by 2.5% to $141,553 but remains significantly higher than national and state averages, highlighting economic disparities that require ongoing attention.

Income Inequality and Economic Equity

The 2024 report introduces the Gini index to measure income inequality within Fairfax County. The county’s Gini score of 0.43 suggests a more equitable income distribution compared to the broader region (0.45), state (0.47), and nation (0.48), although inequality has increased gradually over the past decade. This data supports SDG 10 by providing critical insights for policies aimed at reducing inequalities.

“The 2024 report provides both continuity and deeper context,” stated Philip Hagen, Director of the Department of Management and Budget. “We’re seeing steady growth in housing and population and we’re also building in new tools to understand economic equity countywide.”

Economic Resilience and Employment

• Employment Stability (SDG 8): Fairfax County maintained an average of 657,000 jobs in 2024 with a steady unemployment rate of 2.5% for the third consecutive year, demonstrating sustained economic resilience and opportunities for decent work.

Digital Accessibility and Environmental Sustainability

In alignment with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), the 2025 demographic report will be published exclusively in digital format to reduce environmental impact. Limited printed copies of the 2024 report have been distributed to Board of Supervisors offices and public libraries to ensure accessibility.

Residents, business owners, community organizations, and policymakers are encouraged to access the Demographic Reports 2024 and explore detailed trends through interactive mapping tools available on the county’s Demographics site and Map Gallery.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Addressed through population growth, housing inventory expansion, and urban development data.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Connected via employment data, unemployment rates, and economic resilience indicators.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Relevant due to the introduction and analysis of the Gini index measuring income inequality.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Implied through monitoring household income and economic equity.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Implied by the shift to digital report formats to support environmental goals.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory planning.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
   • Target 8.6: Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.1: Achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote social, economic and political inclusion of all.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Population Growth Rate
   • Used to track changes in the number of residents (0.9% growth noted).
2. Housing Units Increase
   • Number and type of housing units (1.1% increase, multifamily housing growth).
3. Median Market Value of Owned Housing
   • Measures housing affordability and market trends (2.4% increase to $708,383).
4. Median Household Income
   • Tracks economic well-being and income levels (declined by 2.5% to $141,553).
5. Gini Index
   • Measures income inequality (score of 0.43 for Fairfax County).
6. Unemployment Rate
   • Measures economic resilience and job availability (steady at 2.5%).
7. Job Numbers
   • Total jobs averaged (657,000 jobs in 2024).
8. Environmental Impact of Reporting Format
   • Shift to digital format implies measurement of environmental footprint reduction.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: fairfaxcounty.gov