Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach: Geography and Climate
Virginia Beach: History
Virginia Beach: Population Profile
Virginia Beach: Municipal Government
Virginia Beach: Economy
Virginia Beach: Education and Research
Virginia Beach: Health Care
Virginia Beach: Recreation
Virginia Beach: Convention Facilities
Virginia Beach: Transportation
Virginia Beach: Communications
The City in Brief
Founded: 1906 (city formed by merger with Princess Anne County, 1963)
Head Official: Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf (since July 1988); City Manager James Spore (since November 1991)
City Population
1980: 262,000
1990: 393,089
2000: 425,257
2003 estimate: 439,467
Percent change, 1990–2000: 8.2%
U.S. rank in 1980: 56th
U.S. rank in 1990: 37th (State rank: 1st)
U.S. rank in 2000: 38th (State rank: 1st)
Metropolitan Area Population
1980: 1,201,000
1990: 1,445,000
2000: 1,569,541
Percent change, 1990–2000: 8.8%
U.S. rank in 1980: 31st (MSA)
U.S. rank in 1990: 28th (MSA)
U.S. rank in 2000: 33rd (MSA)
Area: 248 square miles (2000)
Elevation: Sea level to 12 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 59.6° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 45.74 inches
Major Economic Sectors: services, wholesale and retail trade, government
Unemployment rate: 4.0% (December 2004)
Per Capita Personal Income: $22,365 (2000)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 15,492
Major Colleges and Universities: Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, ODU/NSU Virginia Beach Higher Education Center, Regent University, Virginia Wesleyan College, Tidewater Community College
Daily Newspaper: The Virginian-Pilot
