Periodically, the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service prepares population estimates for each locality in Virginia. Using data from 2000-2018, and data on births, deaths, and age cohorts, they model the population to generate estimates.
The RVARC region is expected to grow 4% over the next 20 years (this amounts to a .2% annual growth rate through 2040), while the State is expected to grow 14%. Franklin County is expected to have the highest growth and the Alleghany Highlands is projected to lose population.