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Labor Force Information on the overall Northern Virginia immigrant population, as presented in the original report published in March 2020. Overall Information on the economic impact of immigrants during COVID-19, as presented in the addendum report published in October 2020. COVID-19

Language Spoken Key Facts Language Spoken Understanding the population with language barriers is particularly critical for the quick and accurate dissemination of health, safety, and public information. 2014 to 2018 Five-Year Estimates Key Facts: ​ There are an estimated 584,000 people in Northern Virginia who live in a household where English is not spoken at home as the primary language. Of those, 31.2 percent of the population age five and over speak Spanish at home. Of those, the second most spoken language is Korean at 5.5 percent. ​ There are an estimated 134,200 people in Northern Virginia who report speaking English less than well, making up 5.4 percent of the region's total population.

NOVA Region Dashboard Northern Virginia Regional Commission This dashboard provides detailed information about the Northern Virginia community's demographics, economics, and the people who live and work in Northern Virginia. This dashboard is maintained by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission . All data on this dashboard is best viewed on a desktop computer. ​ Check back here regularly to see new analyses and finding. You may also subscribe to the NVRC Blog an d News and Highlights to be alerted when there is new analyses available. If we can help you with your data needs, please give us a call at 703-642-0700 or send us an email . Home Reports/Resources 2020 Census People Education Economics

Internet Access Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Key Facts Internet Access Limited or no internet access at home can lead to severe economic fallout, from limiting one's ability to work remotely to hindering a small business's transition to online. ​ Limited or no internet access at home puts children in foreign-born households at risk of falling behind as schools hold classes online due to COVID-19. 2014 to 2018 Five-Year Estimates In total, 10.1 percent of Northern Virginians report lacking wired internet access at home. Either they are without any internet access (including no mobile) or they only have mobile access. Immigrants are disproportionately affected. ​ Without Internet Access at Home 4.0 percent of Northern Virginians report lacking access to the internet at home. 6.1 percent of foreign born in Northern Virginia report lacking access to the internet at home, compared to 3.1 percent of U.S. born. Of those without internet access at home, 42.7 percent were foreign born. The total population of Northern Virginia is 27.6 percent foreign born. This indicates that immigrants are disproportionately affected. ​ Only Mobile Access At Home 6.1 percent of Northern Virginians report having only mobile access to the internet at home. 7.7 percent of foreign born in Northern Virginia report lacking access to the internet at home, compared to 5.4 percent of U.S. born.

Foreign Born and Immigrants Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Foreign Born and Immigrant Population of Northern Virginia Overview The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is one of the most diverse in the country when taking into consideration the racial, ethnic, and foreign born (immigrant) population make-up. Northern Virginia contains a sizable amount of the metropolitan area's diverse population. The foreign born or immigrant population is transforming the region. Note, the terms foreign born and immigrant are used interchangeably throughout the NOVA Region Dashboard. Immigration has been driving demographic transformations in the region , including: School enrollment changes Sizable increases in the number of Hispanics and Asians Population growth Employment growth ​ About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Foreign born population data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). ​It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. Areas with smaller populations, such as the cities of Northern Virginia, may have a larger margin of error in the data due to the survey sample size being small. This is less of an issue the larger the population. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable. Foreign Born Population - Current Foreign Born Population Share - Current Five-Year Estimates All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. The share of the population that is foreign born, for all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, is displayed in this graph. Northern Virginia's foreign born population share is 27.7%. All Northern Virginia jurisdiction's have a foreign born population share that is greater than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Out of all 3,144 jurisdictions in the USA, all Northern Virginia jurisdictions are ranked #174 or higher. The region's highest ranked are Manassas Park City (7th), Fairfax County (26th), and Fairfax City (31st), each of which have a greater foreign born population share than New York County, New York (Manhattan) (28.5% and 32nd). Back in 2000, all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia had a foreign born population share that was less than Manhattan. These high ranks of the region's jurisdictions are indicative of a transforming region and the diverse population of Northern Virginia and the DC metropolitan area. Foreign Born Population Share - Current One-Year Estimates Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates. The share of the population that is foreign born for the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia foreign born population, for the one-year estimates, is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only.​ All of Northern Virginia five largest jurisdictions have a foreign born population share that is much greater than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. Out of the 843 jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more in the USA, all are ranked #76 or higher, with the region's highest ranked, large jurisdiction being Fairfax County, ranked 17th with a foreign born population of 31.6%. Fairfax County has a greater foreign born population share than New York County, New York (Manhattan) (29.3% and 24th) and Orange County, California (30.8% at 20th). Northern Virginia's foreign born population share, as defined for this analysis using the region's five largest jurisdictions, is 28.5%, which is only 0.8% less than Manhattan. Back in 2000, all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia had a foreign born population share that was less than Manhattan. These high and changing ranks for the region's jurisdictions are indicative of the diverse population and a transforming Northern Virginia region and D.C. metropolitan area. Foreign Born Population - Historic Compared to Current Foreign Born Population Share - Historic Compared to Current Five-Year Estimates Immigration has been driving many of the major demographic trends in the region. The foreign born population is transforming the region. Northern Virginia's population was 21.4% foreign born in 2000 and has risen to 27.7% currently. Similar to today, back in 2000 all Northern Virginia jurisdictions had a foreign born population share that was greater than the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States. The greatest transformations have occurred in the four outer-core jurisdictions of Loudoun, Manassas City, Manassas Park, and Prince William. The outer-core of the region accounts for a majority of the region's overall population growth, as indicated in the population growth charts . Foreign Born Population Share - Historic Compared to Current One-Year Estimates The foreign born population trend, for the regions large jurisdictions (population of 65,000 or more), is shown in the following graphs. The legal status of non-citizens is unknown and not collected by the U.S. Census Bureau in any of its data sets. Key Facts: ​ Northern Virginia, as defined for this analysis using the region's five largest jurisdictions, experienced an increase from 2011 to 2017. The foreign born population share increased from 25.5% to 28.6% respectively. From 2017 to 2021 it trended down, reaching a low of 27.2% in 2021. The decline from 2017 to 2021 was a result of the 2016 to 2020 presidential administration's reforms to immigration policy, as well as the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic led to a drop in the region's population between 2020 and 2021 due to out-migration of residents, higher death rates than normal times, and slowing immigration. In 2022 the pandemic was subsiding and immigration began to rebound in the country and region. ​ The region experienced a decrease in the overall foreign-born population from 2017 to 2021 , which was largely attributable to the non-citizen populations migrating out of the area in greater amounts than naturalized citizens moving into the area. From 2021 to 2023 the foreign-born population has been increasing. Between 2017 and 2022 the region's naturalized citizen population trended up, while the non-citizen population trended down. In 2023 the naturalized citizen population remained stable, while the non-citizen population increased. ​ Loudoun and Prince William Counties, since 2010, have had significant increases and trended upward in their foreign born population as a share of the total population. ​ Fairfax County's foreign born population share trended up from 2010 to 2017 to a high of 32.1%. From 2017 to 2021 it trended down, reaching a low of 29.9% in 2021. The increase from 2021 to 2023 coincides with the regional and national rebound in immigration. Alexandria and Arlington's foreign born populations have dropped since 2017 or 2018 and have not begun to rebound since the peak of the pandemic, unlike the region overall. ​​

Education Information on education of the overall Northern Virginia region and its county and cities. Overall Information on education of Northern Virginia incorporated towns . Towns

Education Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Key Facts Education Immigrants who settle in Northern Virginia are well educated and bring with them varying levels of work and educational experience 2013 to 2017 Period Key Facts: ​ 20.9 percent of immigrants had an advanced degree, either a master’s, professional or doctoral degree. 44.5 percent of immigrants in Northern Virginia age 25 and older had at least a bachelor’s degree. The proportion of immigrants with a bachelor’s degree or higher in Northern Virginia at 44.5 percent, is much higher than immigrants in the United States at 31.2 percent.

Economics Information on economics of the overall Northern Virginia region and its county and cities. Overall Information on economics of Northern Virginia incorporated towns . Towns

Educational Attainment Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Educational Attainment of Northern Virginia Overview Northern Virginia localities are home to some of the most highly educated residents in the nation. This high education level of the region's citizens creates a strong, flourishing business community. The percentage of Northern Virginia's population age 25 or more holding a bachelor's or higher degree is 60.4%, which is nearly double the United States, and holding a graduate or professional degree is 29.4%, which is more than double the United States. About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Educational attainment data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). ​It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. Areas with smaller populations, such as the cities of Northern Virginia, may have a larger margin of error in the data due to the survey sample size being small. This is less of an issue the larger the population. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable. Educational Attainment - Current Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Current Five-Year Estimates All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. The percentage of residents age 25 or more with bachelor's or higher degrees, for all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, are displayed in the following graph. Out of all 3,144 jurisdictions in the USA, five of the ten highest ranked for the percentage of residents age 25 or more with bachelor's or higher degrees are located in Northern Virginia. Those include the City of Falls Church (1st), Arlington County (2nd), the City of Alexandria (4th), Fairfax County (5th), and Loudoun County (7th). Overall, Northern Virginia's share is 61.1% for residents age 25 or more with bachelor's or higher degrees, which is well higher than Virginia and nearly twice that of the USA. Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Current​ One-Year Estimates Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates, of which there are five Northern Virginia jurisdictions included. The share of residents age 25 or more with bachelor's or higher degrees for the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia regional data, for the one-year estimates, is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only.​ Out of the 843 jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more in the USA, four of the top seven for the percentage of residents age 25 or more with bachelor's or higher degrees are located in Northern Virginia. Those include Arlington County (1st), the City of Alexandria (2nd), Loudoun (5th), and Fairfax (7th). Graduate or Professional Degrees - Current Five-Year Estimates All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. The percentage of residents age 25 or more with graduate or professional degrees, for all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, are displayed in the following graph. Out of all 3,144 jurisdictions in the USA, six of the twenty highest ranked in the percentage of residents age 25 or more with graduate or higher degrees are located in Northern Virginia. Those include the City of Falls Church (1st), Arlington County (3rd), the City of Alexandria (5th), Fairfax County (10th), City of Fairfax (17th), and Loudoun County (19th). Overall, Northern Virginia's share is 29.5% for residents age 25 or more with graduate or professional degrees, which is well higher than Virginia and more than twice that of the USA. Graduate or Professional Degrees - Current One-Year Estimates Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates. The percentage of residents age 25 or more with graduate or professional degrees for the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia regional data, for the one-year estimates, is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only.​ Out of the 843 jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more in the USA, four of the 25 highest ranked for the percentage of residents age 25 or more with graduate or professional degrees are located in Northern Virginia. Those include Arlington (1st), the City of Alexandria (5th), Fairfax (8th), and Loudoun (21st). Educational Attainment - Historic Compared to Current Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Historic Compared to Current Five-Year Estimates Northern Virginia is one of the most educated places in the United States. The region's population has experienced an upward trend since 2000 to become even more and more highly educated than it already was. Northern Virginia's age 25 and over population holding bachelor's or higher degrees in 2000 was 50.7% and in the 2017-2021 period was 60.4%, compared to the United States which was 24.4% and 33.7% respectively. This strong growth in highly educated persons creates a strong, growing, and flourishing business community. Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Historic Compared to Current One-Year Estimates The trend in persons age 25 and over holding a bachelor's or higher degree, for the regions large jurisdictions (population of 65,000 or more), are shown in the following graph. Key Facts: Northern Virginia, as defined for this analysis using the region's five largest jurisdictions, trended upward, increasing from an estimated 54.7% in 2010 to 62.2% in 2023. Note, from 2022 to 2023 Northern Virginia appears to have declined, but this may be a statistical anomaly due to the small sample size of the American Community Survey and the fact that the 2023 figure is not statistically significant difference from 2022 based on the margin of error. Also, it may be a statistical anomaly since it was declines were not a pattern seen across all jurisdictions, unlike graduate degrees where it was a pattern across all jurisdictions. When the 2024 data is released, it can be confirm whether there is in fact a downward trend. ​ All of the region's five largest jurisdictions have trended upward since 2010 in their percentage with a bachelor's degree or higher. Graduate or Professional Degree - Historic Compared to Current Five-Year Estimates Northern Virginia's age 25 and over population holding professional and graduate degrees in 2000 was 22.1% and in the 2017-2021 period was 29.4%, compared to the United States which was 8.9% and 13.1% respectively. Northern Virginia's strong growth in highly educated persons creates a strong, growing, and flourishing business community. Graduate or Professional Degree - Historic Compared to Current One-Year Estimates The trend in persons age 25 and over holding a graduate or professional degree, for the regions large jurisdictions (population of 65,000 or more), are shown in the following graph. Key Facts: Northern Virginia, as defined for this analysis using the region's five largest jurisdictions, trended upward in the share of the population holding graduate or professional degrees, increasing from an estimated 25.4% in 2010 to a peak of 30.8% in 2022, and then there was a decline to 30.1% in 2023. The decline from 2022 to 2023 was a statistically significant difference when accounting for the survey's margin of error. This may be due to the wave of retirement occurring in the region and because the remote-work trend has led moderate and high-income, highly educated office workers to migrate out of the region to places that have a more affordable cost of living. ​ All of the region's five largest jurisdictions trended upward from 2010 to 2022 in the percentage with a graduate or professional degree. However, from 2022 to 2023 all jurisdictions did decline in the share of the population with graduate or professional degrees.

Educational Attainment of Towns Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Educational Attainment of Towns Overview Northern Virginia localities are home to some of the most highly educated residents in the nation. This high education level of the region's citizens creates a strong, flourishing business community. The percentage of Northern Virginia's population age 25 or more holding a bachelor's or higher degree is 60.4%, which is nearly double the United States, and holding a graduate or professional degree is 29.4%, which is more than double the United States. About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Educational attainment data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey. All of the incorporated towns in Northern Virginia have a population of less than 65,000 persons. One-year ACS estimates do not exist for incorporated places with a population of less than 65,000. All incorporated towns and places in the United States are included in the five-year ACS estimates. ​ ​It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. The ACS estimates for places with smaller populations such as Clifton, Dumfries, Hamilton, Haymarket, Hillsboro, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Quantico can be unreliable if the margin of error is large. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable. Educational Attainment - Current Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Current The population age 25 or over with bachelor's or higher degrees of the counties, cities, and incorporated towns in Northern Virginia is shown in this graph. All towns, except for Dumfries, have higher percentages of bachelor's or higher degree holders than the United States and Commonwealth of Virginia. The towns of Clifton and Vienna have higher percentages of bachelor's or higher degree holders than Northern Virginia overall. Graduate or Professional Degrees - Current The population age 25 or over with graduate or professional degrees of the counties, cities, and incorporated towns in Northern Virginia is shown in this graph. The towns of Clifton and Vienna have higher percentages of bachelor's or higher degree holders than Northern Virginia overall. Educational Attainment - Historic Compared to Current Bachelor's or Higher Degrees - Historic Compared to Current The trend over time in the population age 25 or over with bachelor's or higher degrees in Northern Virginia and its incorporated towns are shown in this graph. Due to the small size of many towns, the educational attainment data of towns should be used with caution and the margin of error of the educational attainment data should be taken into consideration. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and the data should be used with caution. Graduate or Professional Degree - Historic Compared to Current The trend over time in the population age 25 or over with graduate or professional degrees in Northern Virginia and its incorporated towns are shown in this graph. Due to the small size of many towns, the educational attainment data of towns should be used with caution and the margin of error of the educational attainment data should be taken into consideration. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and the data should be used with caution.

Household Income Distribution Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Household Income Distribution of Northern Virginia Northern Virginia is known for having communities with some of the highest incomes in the United States, including the county with the highest median household income in the nation. High incomes coincide with the large, thriving business community of the Northern Virginia region. While high incomes exist, we must recognize that there are segments of the community that are lower income and in need of assistance that live in this prosperous region of the country. About the Data and Proper Data Interpretation Median household income data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). ​ It is important to note that any data sourced from the ACS is based on a small sample of the population of a place. Areas with smaller populations, such as the cities of Northern Virginia, may have a larger margin of error in the data due to the survey sample size being small. This is less of an issue the larger the population. The margin of error is shown in the popup that is displayed when hovering over a bar in the bar charts. If there is a large increase or decrease in the estimate from one time period to the next, and the margin of error is large and overlaps other periods, then the large change between time periods is likely due to statistical sampling error and is not considered statistically significant. In addition to the margin of error, the accuracy of the American Community Survey data for an area can be gaged by evaluating the trend. If the data has a clear trend then the data from one period to the next can be deemed reliable. Five-Year Estimates - Current All jurisdictions in the United States are included in the five-year American Community Survey estimates. The share of households in each income cohort for all jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. While Northern Virginia is known for having communities with some of the highest median incomes in the United States, it must be recognized that there are segments of the community in need of assistance that live in one of the most prosperous regions in the country. It also must be recognized that the region's high cost of housing can be burdensome for both the low and moderate income households, particularly first time home buyers, so there is a significant need for more affordable housing. One-Year Estimates - Current Those jurisdictions with a population of 65,000 or more are included in the one-year American Community Survey estimates, of which there are five Northern Virginia jurisdictions included. ​ The share of households in each income cohort for the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia are shown in this graph. The Northern Virginia regional household income distribution, for the one-year estimates, is representative of the five largest jurisdictions in Northern Virginia only. ​ While Northern Virginia is known for having communities with some of the highest median incomes in the United States, it must be recognized that there are segments of the community in need of assistance that live in one of the most prosperous regions in the country. It also must be recognized that the region's high cost of housing can be burdensome for both the low and moderate income households, particularly first time home buyers, so there is a significant need for more affordable housing. ​

Workforce Overall Reports, maps, and charts are best viewed on a desktop or tablet. Economic Tracking Labor Force and Unemployment of Northern Virginia Information on the economic impact and recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in Northern Virginia are found in the Economic Tracking Report. The tracking document includes data and trends on the labor force and unemployment. The report is updated following the monthly release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Local Area Unemployment Statistics .​ Economic Tracking Report Click on image for document Latest Version released: October 7, 2024 ​ Updates will occur within 3 business days after the following BLS scheduled release dates: ​ October 2, 2024 (Aug. 2024 data) October 30, 2024 (Sept. 2024 data) November 27, 2024 (Oct. 2024 data) State of the Region: Economic Recovery and Transformation from COVID-19 Pandemic Information on the state of the Northern Virginia region's economic recovery and the transformation from the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is found in the State of the Region July 2022 report. As society eases back to normalcy, people have been returning to the labor force, but – despite many people returning to the labor force and new entrants to the Northern Virginia labor force – there are currently not enough workers to meet the labor force demands across various industries in the region. The region’s labor force is significantly down from February 2020, there are a high number of job postings, and there is a low unemployment rate. The economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recovery has been uneven across industries and demographic groups in Northern Virginia. Understanding why the Northern Virginia region’s labor force has declined, why those people in Northern Virginia who left the labor force during the pandemic are not returning in full, and how to overcome a shortage of labor is critical to fostering an economy and community where residents and businesses can thrive. This report provides detailed information on these factors. Click on image for report Economic Recovery COVID19 Minority-Owned Businesses Minority-Owned Businesses of Northern Virginia Minority-owned businesses have experienced heightened risk associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a complex effect on the region’s local economy and on the wellbeing of its minority-owned businesses. Northern Virginia is home to 128,000 minority-owned businesses, representing the community’s diverse fabric and entrepreneurship. The report on Supporting Northern Virginia's Minority-Owned Businesses was released on June 23, 2021. The report contains detailed information on the minority-owned business community, how they were impacted by the pandemic, and recommendations for supporting them through the pandemic economic recovery and in the future beyond the pandemic. The Northern Virginia Minority-Owned Working Group present this report. The group is composed of members from the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, the Prince William County Department of Economic Development, Arlington Economic Development, and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership. ​ A report release webinar event was hosted on June 23, 2021 to highlight the report findings. The event also included other presentations, a fire side chat with leaders from across the region, and testimonies from minority business owners. For the video recording and details on the event see the NVRC demographic webinar series website . ​ Report: The report provides a Northern Virginia level of analysis on minority-owned businesses. Data Dashboard: The dashboard provides a summary of the report findings, interactive data charts, and more detailed information than that found in the report, including jurisdiction level data. ​ The dashboard will be updated on a quarterly basis by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. Timeline of updates are found on the data dashboard. View Report and Data Dashboard Additional Northern Virginia Workforce Data Resources The NOVA Workforce Regional Overview dashboard provides additional Northern Virginia workforce information, including industry and occupation. This dashboard is provided courtesy of Northern Virginia Community College .