Richmond climbs in racial inclusion rankings, Brookings finds
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Richmond is making big strides toward shrinking the pay and employment gap between its white residents and residents of color, according to a new report from Brookings Institution.
Why it matters: Narrowing racial gaps can expand economic opportunity and make the region more attractive to businesses and employers.
Driving the news: Richmond saw one of the nation's biggest gains in racial inclusion rankings in Brookings' latest Metro Monitor, per an analysis by the Greater Richmond Partnership, the region's economic development group.
- The think tank's annual review evaluates metros' economic performance over 10 years, measuring 15 categories of growth, prosperity, and inclusion.
- Included in its review are income, employment and poverty gaps between metros' white and non-white residents, plus economic disparities among individuals in an area's wealthiest and poorest neighborhoods.
By the numbers: Metro Richmond rose 21 spots on racial inclusion in the 2026 report, landing at No. 14 out of the nation's 55 "very large" metros, per GRPVA.
- Richmond jumped seven places in overall growth (to No. 23) and prosperity for all residents (to 32).
- And the metro maintained its place in the top five for geographic inclusion, ranking at No. 5 (but down from last year's No. 2 spot).
What they're saying: Gains in these categories show Richmond isn't just adding jobs and economic opportunity, but that more of its residents are participating in that growth, GRPVA research director Joe Kane tells Axios.
- That's something that "is going to make Greater Richmond pop" for companies scouting new markets — particularly large firms with social responsibility goals, adds GRPVA spokesperson Michael Ivey.
Yes, but: RVA dropped 18 points in overall inclusion to No. 36. It suggests economic growth isn't translating evenly into higher incomes and jobs for all Richmonders — especially when stacked up against other metros over the last decade.
- Case in point: Raleigh saw jobs grow 33%, average wages rise by 15% and median earnings increase 38% in the past 10 years.
- Richmond saw jobs grow 11%, wages rise 10% and earnings increase 18% in that period.
The bottom line: Richmond is closing racial gaps — but still has work to do to make sure economic progress reaches everyone.