Five-Year Review Finds a More Diverse Arlington

The County’s Five-Year Review of the Race and Ethnicity Dashboard found that Arlington continues to evolve into a more diverse community.

First released in 2021, the dashboard tracks key demographic indicators by race and ethnicity provided by the American Community Survey (ACS). The Five-Year Review report, which compares estimates from the 2019 and 2024 ACS, provides valuable insight into Arlington’s progress over the past five years and highlights areas where further improvement is needed.

"We see both meaningful progress and persistent structural disparities that shape residents’ daily life and long-term opportunities," said Community Planning, Housing and Development Director Samia Byrd. "Using this data, we will continue to explore the actions needed to expand opportunity and advance equity for all residents."

Arlington has become more diverse, more digitally connected, and continues to be shaped by significant demographic, economic, and social shifts that intersect across race and ethnicity. The results include widening income gaps, shifting poverty rates, evolving educational attainment, rapid gains in digital access, and pandemic-driven changes to work commutes.

Key Findings in the Report

• Arlington is becoming more diverse. Since 2019, Arlington's population of people of color has grown to nearly 40%, with increases among Black, Asian, Hispanic, and Multiracial residents.
• Persistent racial income gaps remain. White households have the highest median income at $162,762, while Black and Hispanic households earn only about 58% of that, and Multiracial households earn about 55%.
• Educational attainment continues to rise across racial and ethnic groups. Arlington remains one of the nation's most highly educated communities, with 77% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
• The digital divide has narrowed dramatically across all racial and ethnic groups. The share of residents without access to a computing device dropped from 3.5% to 1.1%.
• The pandemic permanently changed how Arlington works, reshaping commuting patterns and highlighting differences in access to remote work opportunities. Working from home increased from 7% of workers in 2019 to 35% in 2024.  

Read the full report  

About the Research and Strategic Initiatives Group

Situated in the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD) Director’s Office, the Research and Strategic Initiatives Group (RSIG) supports CPHD’s mission by leading strategic planning and special projects that promote innovation and collaboration. The group also delivers critical research and data analysis to inform equitable, sustainable, and community-focused development across Arlington. 

About Realizing Arlington’s Commitment to Equity (RACE)

The County Board adopted an Equity Resolution in September 2019. To further this commitment to equity, the County established RACE (Realizing Arlington's Commitment to Equity). The mission of RACE is to advance racial equity as a countywide priority to eliminate, reduce, and prevent disparities in our policies, procedures, practices, engagement, and interaction with and service to the community. An equitable Arlington is one where all are valued, educated, healthy and safe regardless of race. 

Learn more about RACE and other equity-related initiatives in Arlington County.