If you needed any more evidence that the Richmond area is growing at a blistering rate, the latest Census Bureau estimates show the region's population growth outpacing most of the U.S.

Why it matters: It's almost all because of migration — both international and domestic.

State of play: Before the 2000s, high birth rates coupled with lower death rates were Virginia's main population driver.

• But as birth rates declined, growth has increasingly been driven by people moving here.
• It's how the Richmond area has been able to buck the trends seen in some of the largest metro areas nationwide, like New York and D.C., where populations shrank after COVID.

By the numbers: It's also why it's the fastest-growing metro area in the state.

• Nearly 90% of the 55,000 residents the Richmond region added between April 2020 and July 2024 migrated here, per the Census.
• In that time frame, the area grew by 4% to almost 1.4 million people.

Fun fact: About 30% of the 55,000 people added was just from 2023 to last year.

The intrigue: Richmond is the only metro area in Virginia where both international and domestic migration are near equal contributors to the population.

• In other parts of the state, like Hampton Roads, Blacksburg and Harrisonburg, immigration is offsetting the number of residents leaving.
• Domestic migration in Lynchburg is staving off the impacts of having more deaths than births in that four-year timeframe.
• For Charlottesville and Roanoke, immigration is the main reason their populations aren't declining.

What's next: Demographers and other researchers are eyeing how Trump administration policies might affect immigration levels.

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A major refugee resettlement program serving Richmond has indefinitely shut down after President Trump froze funding for a federal refugee program.

Why it matters: Thousands of refugees across Virginia, including over 900 kids, rely on that program for help with housing and food.

Catch up quick: The Trump administration suspended the decades-old federal refugee resettlement program in late January and later, the federal funding nonprofits used to aid refugees.

• The money typically provided 90 days of support with jobs, learning English and finding housing.

The latest: Commonwealth Catholic Charities, a refugee resettlement agency operating in Richmond, now has $750,000 in expenses that won't be reimbursed because of cuts, spokesperson Katie Dillon told Axios.

• The faith-based nonprofit also laid off 26 staff members, including nine in Richmond, Dillon said.

By the numbers: CCC has resettled nearly 1,500 people in the Richmond area since 2019, according to Dillon.

• Since October, International Rescue Committee and CCC have resettled nearly 300 refugees in the region, per state data.
• Most are from Afghanistan.

Between the lines: "There is often a misconception that refugees have somehow tricked the system or entered the country illegally," Dillon told Axios. "Refugees go through a long and arduous vetting process that often takes years."

Keep reading for what's next

👀 Chesterfield could get another water treatment plant by 2033 if the Board of Supervisors approve the final budget next month. (VPM)

• It's been in the works for nearly a decade but the county's administrator did say it'd help if there was another "mishap" — say, in Richmond.

🛍️ It's the end of an era. Forever 21 is closing all its U.S. stores after filing for bankruptcy. (Axios)

• Richmond hasn't had one since the Regency location closed in 2020, but there are 9 others in Virginia.

💗 Meet the man behind downtown Richmond's social services outreach program who business owners can call instead of police if they see someone in need. (WTVR)

Sunday is the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's legendary "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech, delivered right here in Richmond, at St. John's Church.

Why it matters: The Virginia 250 Commission is planning a series of events this weekend to celebrate.

The big picture: Many who would become the nation's Founding Fathers gathered in Richmond in March 1775 for a week-long convention, according to St. John's.

• Less than a month later, the Revolutionary War began, and "liberty or death" became the war's rallying cry.

Zoom in: On Sunday at 1:30pm, the same date and time as the OG speech, St. John's will host a reenactment, as it does regularly. But this one is extra special.

• Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns will be there in his first public appearance for his new series, "The American Revolution."
• The event is sold out, but va250.org will live-stream it for free.
• Sunday night, Burns and his co-director Sarah Botstein are hosting a doc screening at Altria. Tickets start at $33.

Go deeper for more events

Chesterfield County broke ground last week on its newest recreation offering, The Park at River City Sportsplex.

Why it matters: The Park will have a giant blue heron slide and the county's first public water play area.

The big picture: The Park will be toward the front of River City Sportsplex, the county's 115-acre athletic complex.

• It'll feature play areas for residents of every age, including three separate slash pads: One for little kids (ages 2-5), one for bigger kids (5-12) and one for all ages (which hopefully includes middle-aged adults).
• The Park will also offer a zip line, a blue heron-anchored playground, and fitness trails and stations.

What's next: It should open in summer 2026.

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