2020 Census: Prince William County Remains Second Largest, Most Diverse County in Virginia

Population and demographic numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Prince William County remains the second largest and most diverse county in Virginia – titles unchanged since the 2020 census.

Prince William County’s overall population increased by 80,202 between 2010 and 2010 (402,002 to 482,204) a 20% increase and substantially higher than estimates from the county and the Census Bureau’s 2019 Annual Community Survey.

While the decade increase is smaller than the county saw between 2000 and 2010, it still represents the second largest raw population increase in Prince William County history. Fairfax County remains the largest jurisdiction in Virginia and Virginia Beach came in at third place, about 23,000 residents fewer than Prince William. The only jurisdiction that added to its population more in Virginia was neighboring Loudoun County which added another 108,611 residents, pushing it over 400,000.

The combined population of the area when including the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park topped 500,000 for the first time with 542,195 people.

Prince William is also now more diverse than ever and maintained its status as the most diverse county in Virginia. According to the county demographer:

  • The population is 61.6% non-White compared to 51.3% in 2010.
  • The white non-Hispanic population declined for the first time in history from 195,656 to 185,048 (decrease of 10,608). This category dropped from 48.7% of the population in 2010 to 38.4% in 2020.
  • Those under age 18 are 26.7% of the county’s population and are 69.6% non-White (31.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19% Black or African American, and 8.8% of two or more races). Only 4.2% of the 18 and over population identifies as two or more races.
  • The Hispanic or Latino population grew by 40,064 people, now making up more than one-quarter of the population.
  • The Asian population grew by 19,850, increasing their percentage of the population from 7.5 to 10.3% from 2010-2020.
  • 9 Census tracts have over 50% Hispanic or Latino residents, 10 census tracts are over 35% black or African American residents, 9 census tracts are now over 15% Asian residents, and 31 census tracts have less than one-quarter white non-Hispanic residents.

To view the county demographer’s 2020 Census page please click here. You can also click here to see the population total increase by Census tract and here to see a breakdown of race/ethnicity demographics countywide and per magisterial district.

 

– Coles District Staff