Virginia's Economic Forecast, February 2026
A quarterly economic forecast for the Commonwealth of Virginia, created by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.
Good governance and resilience in every Virginia community
The Cooper Center provides valuable data and services to communities, governments, and public sector leaders.
Research
2025 Virginia Population Estimates
Virginia’s population reached 8.88 million as of July 1, 2025, an increase of more than 248,000 residents since the 2020 Census. Virginia remains the 12th most populous state and ranked 11th nationally in numeric population growth during this period.
The Economic Contribution of the Dairy Industry in Virginia
This report examines in detail the characteristics of Virginia’s dairy industry and the contributions that the industry makes to the state economy.
Economic, Fiscal and Energy-related Impacts of Data Centers in the Great Lakes Region
A white paper regarding data centers and their economic and energy impacts in the Great Lakes region, carried out by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service and supported by the Joyce Foundation.
In The News
150-MW solar project will be Virginia county's primary energy source
Cooper Center's solar database helps Virginians track solar projects statewide.
Solar Power World
The New Moneymakers
Millennial transplants are fueling Central Virginia's latest economic boom, according to the Cooper Center.
Richmond Magazine
Data centers raise electricity prices, economists warn. Will you see it in your bill?
Proposals to build data centers are cropping up all over Michigan; Cooper Center econ team weighs in on the impacts.
Oakland Press
Beyond the Cliff
Will declining birth rates leave local colleges scrambling for students?
Richmond Magazine
Public Service in Action
Read the Cooper Center's 2024 Impact Report