Chesterfield leads Richmond region’s population growth

A new Cavalier Moving analysis says the Richmond metro added nearly 60,000 residents since 2020, with Chesterfield County accounting for the biggest share. The data points to sustained housing, school and road pressure as more newcomers choose the suburbs south and west of Richmond.

Why it matters: - The Richmond region’s population growth is reshaping where demand lands for homes, schools and transportation. - Chesterfield County has become the main landing spot for new residents in metro Richmond. - The steady inflow is also keeping moving activity high across the region.

What happened: - Cavalier Moving analyzed U.S. Census Bureau estimates and population data from the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. - Metro Richmond added nearly 60,000 people between April 2020 and July 2025. - Chesterfield County gained 33,064 residents in that period, more than the City of Richmond, Henrico County and Hanover County combined. - The Richmond area added more than 12,000 residents between July 2024 and July 2025.

The details: - Chesterfield County added 5,905 residents in the latest year, a 1.5% increase. - Weldon Cooper data shows Chesterfield recorded the largest numeric population gain of all 133 Virginia localities from 2020 to 2025, reaching an estimated 401,301 residents. - Henrico County added 2,751 residents in the latest year. - The City of Richmond added 2,450 residents in the latest year. - Hanover County added 870 residents in the latest year. - Each of the region’s four core localities grew by nearly 1% or more in the latest year. - International migration drove much of the region’s growth between 2024 and 2025, especially in Henrico County and the City of Richmond. - Net domestic migration into Virginia grew about 2.5 times from 2024 to 2025. - For the second year in a row, more people moved into Virginia from other states than moved out. - Nationally, being closer to family was the leading reason for interstate moves in 2025, cited by 29% of movers, per United Van Lines. - Cavalier Moving serves Midlothian, Chesterfield Courthouse, Innsbrook, Twin Hickory and Richmond’s West End. - The company handles moves into the region from out of state and local moves between Richmond-area neighborhoods. - The article’s moving advice includes booking early, researching neighborhoods, handling Virginia DMV paperwork quickly, setting up utilities in advance and choosing a licensed mover. - The Virginia DMV steps include titling and registering vehicles and getting a Virginia driver’s license after a move. - The article says peak weekends and month-end dates fill first in a growing market, especially during summer.

Between the lines: - Chesterfield’s growth suggests the Richmond-area move boom is being driven by suburban demand, not just the city center. - International inflows and stronger domestic migration together point to a broader appeal for Virginia and the Richmond metro. - The combination of faster growth and more local moves often benefits suburban service markets while increasing strain on infrastructure.

What’s next: - Growth is likely to keep pressure on housing inventory, school capacity and road congestion if current trends continue. - Movers serving the region should expect continued demand from both incoming residents and households relocating within metro Richmond. - New residents will keep needing support with housing search timing, utility setup and Virginia registration requirements.

The bottom line: - Chesterfield is now the clearest growth engine in metro Richmond, and the broader region is still gaining residents at a pace that is reshaping daily life.**