Arlington County, Virginia
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| Arlington County, Virginia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Arlington County |
| Settlement type | County |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Virginia |
| Subdivision type2 | Metro area |
| Subdivision name2 | Washington metropolitan area |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1801 |
| Seat type | County seat |
| Seat | Arlington |
| Government type | County Board |
| Leader title | Chair |
| Leader name | Libby Garvey |
| Area total km2 | 70 |
| Area land km2 | 67 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population total | 238,643 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | EST |
| Utc offset | -5 |
| Timezone DST | EDT |
| Utc offset DST | -4 |
| Coordinates | 38, 52, 49, N... |
| Website | https://www.arlingtonva.us/ |
Arlington County, Virginia is a principal county within the Commonwealth of Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.. It is a core component of the Washington metropolitan area and is known for its dense urban form, absence of incorporated cities, and status as a major hub for federal government agencies and defense contractors. The county is home to iconic national landmarks, including The Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery, and hosts a highly educated, internationally diverse population.
History
The area was originally part of the District of Columbia, ceded by Virginia in 1790 under the Residence Act and known as Alexandria County, D.C.. Following the retrocession of 1846, it was returned to Virginia and was renamed in 1920 to honor the Arlington House estate of Robert E. Lee. The American Civil War saw the construction of Fort Myer and the establishment of a military cemetery on the Lee property, which evolved into Arlington National Cemetery. The 20th century transformed the county with the construction of The Pentagon in 1943, the development of the Metrorail system, and its evolution into a major suburban and urban center.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 26 square miles, making it the smallest self-governing county in the United States by land area. It is bordered by Fairfax County to the west, the City of Alexandria to the south, and the Potomac River to the north and east, which forms the border with Washington, D.C.. Notable geographic features include the Potomac Palisades and the Gulf Branch and Donaldson Run tributaries. The county is characterized by a mix of high-density urban neighborhoods like Clarendon and Ballston, and residential areas such as Arlington Forest.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 238,643. The racial makeup is diverse, with significant populations of non-Hispanic White, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The county has one of the highest educational attainment levels in the nation, with over 70% of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Major ancestry groups include those of German, Irish, and English descent. The median household income is among the highest in the United States, and a significant portion of the workforce is employed in management, business, science, and arts occupations.
Economy
The economy is heavily anchored by the federal government, with The Pentagon, DARPA, and the National Science Foundation being major employers. It is a leading center for technology and professional services firms, hosting headquarters or major offices for companies like Amazon at National Landing, Raytheon Technologies, and Boeing. The Ballston-Rosslyn corridor is a significant hub for technology and defense contracting. Other important sectors include tourism, driven by sites like Arlington National Cemetery and the Marine Corps War Memorial, and retail within vibrant neighborhoods such as Shirlington.
Government and politics
Arlington operates under a County Board form of government, with a five-member board chaired by Libby Garvey. The county employs a County manager system for day-to-day administration. It is considered a stronghold for the Democratic Party; recent presidential elections have seen overwhelming support for candidates like Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. Arlington is part of Virginia's 8th congressional district, represented by Don Beyer, and is served by the Arlington County Police Department. The county is also part of the WMATA system for public transportation.
Culture and recreation
The county boasts a vibrant cultural scene, including the Arlington Arts Center, the Signature Theatre, and the annual Arlington County Fair. It features an extensive network of parks and trails, such as the Mount Vernon Trail and the W&OD Trail. Notable recreational sites include Theodore Roosevelt Island, Gravelly Point Park, and the Upton Hill Regional Park. The county is home to the Marymount University and hosts community events in neighborhoods like Columbia Pike. The Arlington Public Library system and historical sites like the Arlington House contribute to its community life.
Category:Arlington County, Virginia Category:Counties of Virginia Category:Washington metropolitan area