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Communities

The region consists of four counties and three cities in Central Virginia. The area, which represents the southern half of the Richmond Metropolitan Area, is locally known as the “Tri-Cities” area. Each distinct county and city has a range of available resources for residents, visitors and businesses.

Learn more about the Gateway Region by selecting any individual community.
DinwiddieCounty Surry County SussexCounty Prince GeorgeCounty City of Petersburg City of Colonial Heights City of Hopewell 46046095952956485Richmond

Chesterfield County

Chesterfield CountyChesterfield County, located on the I-95 corridor between Richmond and the Tri-Cities, has one of the largest populations and employer bases in the metro area. The county is one of Virginia’s fastest growing communities due to a robust and diversified economy, a highly skilled labor force, and an expanding highway and transportation network. With a large selection of outdoor, sports and historical recreation, combined with a great school system and aggressive investment in business parks and infrastructure, Chesterfield is an ideal location for families and employers alike.

County Website | Economic Development | Community Profile | Economic Profile | GIS

Tourism | Parks & Recreation | Police | Fire & Rescue | Library System | Schools


At A Glance

26.3%
% of People with Bachelors Degrees
182,469
County civilian labor force
2.6%
County Unemployment rate
$80,214
Median Household Income


Population

2010 2015  5-Year Change 2020 Projection
308,633 328,176 6.33% 349,182

Towns, Villages & Districts

Bellwood Hallsboro Skinquarter
Bensley Manchester Spring Run
Bermuda Hundred Maoaca Winterpock
Bon Air Meadowbrook Woodlake
Brandermill Midlothian
Chester Moseley
Enon Robious
Ettrick Salisbury

 

Utility Providers

Electricity: Dominion Virginia Power
Recycling & Waste Management: Central Virginia Waste Management Authority
Natural Gas: Columbia Gas of Virginia
Telecommunications: Mid-Atlantic Broadband,Earthlink, Comcast, Verizon, Windstream


Taxes

Type Assessment Ratio Nominal Tax Rate
Non-Manufacturer’s Personal Property 70% for year 1, 50% for year 2, reduced by 10% per year (min. 10%) $3.60
Machinery & Tools 25% year 1-10, 20% year 11-20, 15% year 21+, 0% idle per unused equipment $1.00
Real Estate 100% $0.96

Manufacturers Taxes | Non-Manufacturer Taxes | Commissioner of Revenue


Political Representation

U.S. Congress

  • A. Donald McEachin, D, 4th
  • Dave Brat, R, 7th

U.S. Senate

  • Mark Warner
  • Tim Kaine

Virginia House of Delegates

  • Roxann Robinson, R, 27th
  • Carrie E. Coyner, R, 62nd
  • Lashrecse D. Aird, D, 63rd
  • Lee Ware Jr., R, 65th
  • Kirkland Cox, R, 66th
  • Dawn M. Adams, D, 68th
  • Betsy Carr, D, 69th
  • Delores McQuinn, D, 70th

Virginia Senate

  • Ghazala F. Hashmi, D, 10th
  • Amanda F. Chase, R, 11th
  • Joseph D. Morrissey, D, 16th

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau’s 2011-2015 American Community Survey, Weldon Cooper Center’s Virginia Population Projections, Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s 2016-2017 Guides to Local Taxes on Businesses.

 

Colonial Heights

Colonial HeightsThe City of Colonial Heights is situated on the Appomattox River and on I-95 near the intersection of two other interstate highways. The “colonial” in the city’s name is not random as the city’s history dates back to before the American Revolution and served as a key headquarters location during the Civil War. The city also serves as the retail core of the region as it’s home to Southpark Mall and the surrounding retail destinations, combined with the vital commercial corridor on U.S. Route 1 between Richmond and Petersburg. The central location enables its retail importance and its residents to access the full extent of employment opportunities in the region. In recent years, the completion of the Appomattox River Trail has added an exciting community outdoors asset.

City Website | Economic Development | Community Profile | Economic Profile | Parcel Data

Tourism | Parks & Recreation | Police | Fire & Rescue | Library System | Schools


At A Glance

15.3%
% of People with Bachelor Degrees
9,188
City Civilian Labor Force
3.3%
City Unemployment Rate
$65,570
Median Household Income



Population

20152021Change2030 Projection
17,51518,1273.49%18,658

Utility Providers


Taxes

TypeAssessment RatioNominal Tax Rate
Non-Manufacturer’s Personal Property60% year 1, reduced by 10%/year$3.50
Machinery & Tools90% year 1, reduced by 10%/year (min. 20%)$2.00
Real Estate100%$1.20

Manufacturers Taxes | Non-Manufacturers Taxes | Commissioner of Revenue


Political Representation

U.S. Congress

  • 5th district, vacant pending a special election in February, 2023

U.S. Senate

  • Mark Warner
  • Tim Kaine

Virginia House of Delegates

  • Mike Cherry, R, 66th

Virginia Senate

  • Amanda F. Chase, R, 11th

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau's 2016-2020 and 2017-2021 American Community Survey, Weldon Cooper Center's Virginia Population Projections (2022), Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Economic Development Partnership's 2016-2017 Guide to Local Business Taxes.

Dinwiddie County

Dinwiddie CountyDinwiddie County, a 502-square-mile community, is strategically situated at an important highway crossroads of I-85 and I-95 and railroad crossroads of Norfolk Southern and CSX lines. Not only is it an important freight crossroads with major distribution employers such as Walmart and Amazon.com located in the county, but it has a growing general aviation airport and serves as a great housing location with access to employment opportunities throughout the MSA. A primarily rural and suburban county, Dinwiddie offers an array of significant recreation amenities including Lake Chesdin, Virginia Motorsports Park, Pamplin Historical Park, and more.

County Website | Economic Development | Community Profile | Economic Profile | GIS

Tourism | Parks & Recreation | Sheriff | Fire & Rescue | Library System | Schools


At A Glance

10.7%
% of People With Bachelors Degrees
14,040
County Civilian Labor Force
3.1%
County Unemployment Rate
$68,918
Median Household Income



Population

20152021 Change2030 Projection
28,11028,040-0.25%27,493

Towns, Villages & Districts

Church RoadFordSutherland
DarvilsFive ForksWilsons
DeWittMcKenney 

Utility Providers


Taxes

TypeAssessment RatioNominal Tax Rate
Non-Manufacturer’s Personal Property20%$4.90
Machinery & Tools20%$3.30
Real Estate100%$0.79

Manufacturers Taxes | Non-Manufacturers Taxes | Commissioner of Revenue


Political Representation

U.S. Congress

  • 5th district, vacant pending a special election in February, 2023

U.S. Senate

  • Mark Warner
  • Tim Kaine

Virginia House of Delegates

  • Kimberly A. Taylor, R, 63rd

Virginia Senate

  • Joseph D. Morrissey, D, 16th
  • Frank Ruff, Jr., R, 15th

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau's 2016-2020 and 2017-2021 American Community Survey, Weldon Cooper Center's Virginia Population Projections (2022), Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Economic Development Partnership,VGR Internal Database

Hopewell

HopewellThe City of Hopewell is located at the confluence of the Appomattox and James Rivers. The 11-square-mile inland port community is on I-295 with quick access to I-64, I-85 and I-95, making it an excellent location to serve East and Midwest markets. The strategic river location was once considered for an early English colony, later served as an important Civil War staging area and then munitions depot and now industrial production center for large companies such as WestRock, Ashland and Evonik. Besides its importance to local industry, Hopewell has experienced concentrated revitalization efforts in its vibrant downtown community, bringing new recreation and business opportunities.

City Website | Economic Development | Community Profile | Economic Profile | Parcel Data

Tourism | Parks & Recreation | Police | Fire & Rescue | Library System | Schools


At A Glance

8.2%
% of People with Bachelor Degrees
10,586
City Civilian Labor Force
4.9%
City Unemployment Rate
$44,209
Median Household Income



Population

20152021% Change2030 Projection
22,50623,0203.33%23,138

Utility Providers


Taxes

TypeAssessment RatioNominal Tax Rate
Non-Manufacturer’s Personal Property60% year 1, reduced by 10%/year (min. 20%)$3.50
Machinery & Tools25%$3.05
Real Estate100%$1.13

Manufacturers Taxes | Non-Manufacturers Taxes | Commissioner of Revenue


Political Representation

U.S. Congress

  • 5th district, vacant pending a special election in February, 2023

U.S. Senate

  • Mark Warner
  • Tim Kaine

Virginia House of Delegates

  • Kimberly A Taylor, R, 63rd
  • Carrie E. Coyner, R, 62nd

Virginia Senate

  • Joseph D. Morrissey, D, 16th

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau's 2016-2020 and 2017-2021 American Community Survey, Weldon Cooper Center's Virginia Population Projections (2022), Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Economic Development Partnership's 2016-2017 Guide to Local Business Taxes.

Petersburg

The City of Petersburg consists of 23.1 square miles located just south of the Richmond area. Bordered by the Appomattox River, the city is at the junction of I-85 and I-95 and two mainline railroads, Norfolk Southern and CSX. As an important crossroads throughout history, Petersburg is known for its rich historical background, which shines through in the Postbellum and Edwardian architecture widely present in the city’s downtown area. In recent years the city has been a home for many film crews using the city as a backdrop for movies and shows such as Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” and AMC’s “Turn.” Petersburg’s downtown continues an amazing revitalization, spurred by growth of nearby Fort Lee and the unique housing opportunities in renovated warehouses and historic homes, and the accelerating activity of local small businesses and entrepreneurs. The city is home to festivals and monthly arts events throughout the year.

 City Website | Economic Development | Community Profile | Economic Profile | GIS

Tourism | Parks & Recreation | Police | Fire & Rescue | Library System | Schools


At A Glance

13.7%
% of People With Bachelors Degrees
16,038
City Civilian Labor Force
6.8%
City Unemployment Rate
$44,890
Median Household Income



Population

20152021Change2030 Projection
32,12333,2293.44%34,002

Utility Providers


Taxes

TypeAssessment RatioNominal Tax Rate
Non-Manufacturer’s Personal Property40% year 1, reduced by 5%/year (min. 20%)$4.40
Machinery & Tools40% year 1, reduced by 5%/year (min. 20%)$3.80
Real Estate100%$1.35

Manufacturers Taxes | Non-Manufacturers Taxes | Commissioner of Revenue


Political Representation

U.S. Congress

  • 5th district, vacant pending a special election in February, 2023

U.S. Senate

  • Mark Warner
  • Tim Kaine

Virginia House of Delegates

  • Kimberly A. Taylor, R, 63rd

Virginia Senate

  • Joseph D. Morrissey, D, 16th

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau's 2016-2020 and 2017-2021 American Community Survey, Weldon Cooper Center's Virginia Population Projections (2022), Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Economic Development Partnership's 2016-2017 Guide to Local Business Taxes.

Prince George County

Prince George CountyPrince George County is comprised of 276 square-miles located near the James and Appomattox Rivers with convenient access to Interstates 95 and 295 and U.S. Route 460. The County is bordered by U.S. Army Fort Lee, a major U.S. Department of Defense training facility for logistics, culinary and ordnance specialists. In the last decade, Prince George has become known for its concentration of activity in the advanced manufacturing and aerospace industry. With the 1,000-acre Crosspointe Campus and the state-of-the-art R&D facility Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing and an attached advanced manufacturing apprentice center, the county is well-positioned as the center of the region’s future industry. It’s also home to major distribution facilities for Standard Motor Products, Food Lion, and more, and has its fair share of historic, waterfront, and agricultural tourism sites, as well as suburban and rural communities for the local workforce.

County Website | Economic Development | Community Profile | Economic Profile | GIS

Tourism | Parks & Recreation | Police | Fire & Rescue | Library System | Schools


At A Glance

17.3%
% of People With Bachelor Degrees
17,418
County Civilian Labor Force
3.2%
County Unemployment Rate
$78,895
Median Household Income



Population

20152020Change2030 Projection
37,38042,17012.81%49,574

Towns, Villages & Districts

BrandonFort LeeNew Bohemia
BurrowsvilleGarysvilleNewville
CarsonJordan PointTempleton
Disputanta  

Utility Providers


Taxes

TypeAssessment RatioNominal Tax Rate
Non-Manufacturer’s Personal Property60% year 1, reduced by 10%/year (min. 20%)$4.25
Machinery & Tools60% year 1, reduced by 10%/year (min. 20%)$1.50
Real Estate100%$0.86

Manufacturers Taxes | Non-Manufacturers Taxes | Commissioner of Revenue


Political Representation

U.S. Congress

  • 5th district, vacant pending a special election in Febrary, 2023

U.S. Senate

  • Mark Warner
  • Tim Kaine

Virginia House of Delegates

  • Carrie E. Coyner, R, 62nd
  • Emily Brewer, R, 64th

Virginia Senate

  • Frank Ruff Jr., R, 15th
  • Joseph D. Morrissey, D, 16th

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau's 2016-2020 and 2017-2021 American Community Survey, Weldon Cooper Center's Virginia Population Projections (2022), Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Economic Development Partnership's 2016-2017 Guide to Local Business Taxes.

Surry County

Surry County is a 306-square-mile county located on the James River in southeastern Virginia, with unique location attributes that position it well for energy production, including an existing nuclear facility, and for manufacturing, especially agriculture products such as wood pellets.The county’s workforce comes from the Hampton Roads and Richmond MSA to the East and West and from Williamsburg just a ferry ride North. Besides serving as an energy, agriculture and production hub, Surry is popular for residents seeking unique waterfront housing and small town and rural communities.

Surry County is known nationwide for historical landmarks like Bacon’s Castle and Chippokes State Park, and nearby Jamestown and Williamsburg. The waterfront location affords access to multiple natural refuges and parks and boat recreation on the river. A growing winery location, the county also produces large hauls of peanuts, cotton and soybeans each year for the state.

County Website | Economic Development | Community Profile | Economic Profile | GIS

Tourism | Parks & Recreation | Sheriff | Fire & Rescue | Library System | Schools


At A Glance

16.7%
% of People with Bachelor Degrees
3,404
County Civilian Labor Force
2.2%
County Unemployment Rate
$61,105
Median Household Income



Population

20152021Change2030 Projection
6,8236,563-3.81%5,977

Towns, Villages & Districts

Bacon’s CastleClaremontScotland
Cabin PointDendronSpring Grove
CarsleyElberonSurry

Utility Providers


Taxes

TypeAssessment RatioNominal Tax Rate
Non-Manufacturer’s Personal Property60% year 1, reduced by 10%/year (min. 20%)$4.00
Machinery & Tools60% year 1, reduced by 10%/year (min. 20%)$1.00
Real Estate100%$0.73

Manufacturers Taxes | Non-Manufacturers Taxes | Commissioner of Revenue


Political Representation

U.S. Congress

  • 5th district, vacant pending a special election in February, 2023.

U.S. Senate

  • Mark Warner
  • Tim Kaine

Virginia House of Delegates

  • Roslyn Tyler, D, 75th
  • Emily Brewer, R, 64th

Virginia Senate

  • L. Louise Lucas, D, 18th
  • Thomas K. Norment, Jr., R, 3rd (part of Surry County)

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau's 2016-2020 and 2017-2021 American Community Survey, Weldon Cooper Center's Virginia Population Projections (2022), Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Economic Development Partnership's 2016-2017 Guide to Local Business Taxes.

Sussex County

Virginia Diner LOVE (2)_editedSussex County is 496 square miles located along I-95 south of Petersburg and strategically positioned between the Richmond-Petersburg and Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News metropolitan areas. This central location gives Sussex businesses the unique opportunity to draw workforce from both areas, and also for residents of Sussex to easily travel to both areas. Those sticking around the county will discover quiet farmland homes, small town life, historic attractions, and numerous wildlife observation and nature trails, hunting and shooting opportunities. A significant lakefront Airfield 4-H Conference Center offers outdoor activity space and conference facilities for individuals and businesses.

County Website | Economic Development | Community Profile | Economic Profile | Parcel Data

Tourism | Parks & Recreation | Sheriff | Fire & Rescue | Library System | Schools


At A Glance

9.1%
% of People with Bachelors Degrees
4,798
County Civilian Labor Force
4.5%
County Unemployment Rate
$56,968
Median Household Income



Population

20152021Change2030 Projection
11,86410,960-7.62%9,431

Towns, Villages & Districts

JarrattWakefield
Stony CreekWaverly

Utility Providers


Taxes

TypeAssessment RatioNominal Tax Rate
Non-Manufacturer’s Personal Property90% year 1, reduced by 10%/year (min. 10%)$4.85
Machinery & Tools100% year 1-5, 80% year 6-15, 80%, 50% year 16-25, 20% year 26+$2.43
Real Estate79.3%$0.58

Manufacturers Taxes | Non-Manufacturers Taxes | Commissioner of Revenue


Political Representation

U.S. Congress

  • 5th district, vacant pending a special election in February, 2023

U.S. Senate

  • Mark Warner
  • Tim Kaine

Virginia House of Delegates

  • Howard Otto Wachsman, Jr., R, 75th

Virginia Senate

  • L. Louise Lucas, D, 18th

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau's 2016-2020 and 2017-2021 American Community Survey, Weldon Cooper Center's Virginia Population Projections (2022), Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Economic Development Partnership's 2016-2017 Guide to Local Business Taxes.