Newly released census data shows that Alexandria is becoming more diverse, with white, non-Hispanic Alexandrians comprising less that half the city’s total population for the first time in recent history.

The census broke the categories down into several different sections. The data indicated that 76% of Alexandria identified as one race — a decline from 81.4% in 2020. White Alexandrians accounted for 53.5% of the population in 2010 and in 2020 comprised 49.2%. It marks the first time in any recent census data — at least as far back as the 1990s — that Alexandria has been has not been majority-white.

Hispanic or latino is marked as a separate category. The census data indicated that the hispanic/latino population in Alexandria increased by 30.4% from 2010 to 2020.

“Though many respondents expect to see a Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish category on the race question, this question is asked separately because people of Hispanic origin may be of any race(s),” the census website said. “The Census Bureau collects these data in accordance with the 1997 Office of Management and Budget standards on race and ethnicity.”

Alexandria isn’t alone in this: nationwide the census data indicates the country is becoming increasingly diverse. Nationwide, the 2020 census marked the first time the white, non-Hispanic percent of the population fell below 60%.

Overall, the city population increased by nearly 20,000 residents. The current total population is 159,467.

“The City gained 19,501 residents over the past decade with a 1.39% annual growth rate,” the city said.

Fox 5: No Additional Delays on Seminary — Alexandria’s Seminary Road controversy has taken another turn in the local TV news spotlight. This time, Fox 5 looked at the lane reduction issue and concluded that the brief periods of gridlock on the road during peak times are not, in fact, worse than it was when the Seminary was two lanes in both directions. [Fox 5, Twitter]

Population, Housing Continue to Grow — “Alexandria’s housing inventory is barely keeping up with its population growth. That’s a key takeaway from Alexandria’s recently released fiscal 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report… The city added an estimated 2,300 residents in the last year, climbing to 156,800, and roughly 2,900 total residential units, ending fiscal 2019 with 82,310.” [Washington Business Journal]

New ACPS Trying Out Healthy Recipes — “Alexandria City Public Schools recently welcomed a new executive chef to its cafeterias and he’s already got some fresh ideas. Chef Isaiah Ruffin wants more vegetarian options on the menu, less sodium in the lunch items, and about 80 percent of the ingredients to be locally sourced.” [WDVM]

Local Cop Dedicated to Helping the Homeless — “In Alexandria, Officer Bennie Evans goes far beyond the call of duty to work with the homeless — often using his time and money to help — with the goal of building a stronger community altogether. ABC7 joined him on an autumn day at Alexandria’s Meade Memorial Episcopal Church as Evan cooked up lunch for more than a hundred people.” [ABC 7]

Reminder: Weekend Events — A number of significant events are taking place in Alexandria this weekend, including the Alexandria Cider Festival, the holiday tree lighting in Old Town, and the inaugural Alexandria Makers Market at Port City Brewing.