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Stafford has the fourth highest median household income in the state, according to the U.S. Census Bureau Date published: 8/30/2007
BY KAFIA HOSH The pockets of Stafford County residents are getting deeper. Stafford is among the nation's top 20 communities with the highest median household incomes, according to figures released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau. The bureau looked at 795 counties and cities with populations of 65,000 or more in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Stafford ranked 11th in the nation, and fourth in the state, just after Fairfax, Loudoun and Arlington counties. The county's median household income was $85,014 last year, up from $78,675 in 2005. Rising incomes can be traced to Stafford's thriving business sector. The county reported that the number of new jobs increased by 21 percent between 2001 and 2006, according to economic estimates. "A lot of those jobs are professional jobs, with good, sustaining wages," said Tim Baroody, Stafford's economic development director. Still, a large part of the county's work force "continue to commute north for better paying jobs," he said. But that could change. The expansion of the Quantico Marine Corps Base is bringing a slew of high-paying employers. Defense contractors occupy the bulk of office space developed by the Garrett Companies in Stafford. "We like to go where the numbers are, both in terms of growth and household income," said Chris Waller, the company's vice president of acquisitions. "We're just looking at bringing high caliber space to Stafford and the jobs that go with it." Higher-paid residents, flush with disposable cash, are fueling commercial growth in the county. The Fredericksburg Regional Alliance uses Stafford's ascending household incomes to lure businesses to the region. The rising income "presents a very strong case for the business climate and for the purchasing power of many of our residents," said Gene Bailey, president of economic development group. "That purchasing power is quickly understood by retail businesses, restaurants and other consumer-related businesses looking at our area." Like most developers, the Silver Cos. gives retailers a detailed report of residents' income levels, education and spending habits. "You pass it on to tenants and that's how you get them to start their interest," said Jud Honaker, Silver's president of commercial development. For the first time in Stafford's history, luxury retailers are taking notice of rising household incomes.
A good education is an economic incentive. Too bas the Stafford BOS has underfuned schools 3 years in a row. 85% of the budget is salaries and benefits. Classrooms are overcrowded and violate state SOQ because of a lack of teachers.
Yes, 610 is so lovely, like a beautiful riverwalk with quaint shops, eateries, art festivals and good jazz. Beautiful recreational facilities and wonderful gourmet grocery stores. Stafford needs a bit of a face lift.
We make all this money, support local businesses and add to the tax coffers eveytime we do. Despite all of the $$$, our portion of I-95 looks like crap, run down and filthy. Routes 17, 610 and 1 look like abandoned, disorganized swap meets. Can the county start projects to beautify the area please? If you were driving through Stafford you would think this county was on the decline. It would be nice to have curbed medians on our main roads with landscaping that is mowed more that twice a year!
I'm sure there is a way to pay more. We are below the median income. We won't be able to afford to live here much longer. We don't want higher taxes because we can't afford higher taxes. Anyone notice that the price of milk has gone up to $4 a gallon. How about gas? Income is increasing and so is cost of basic neccessities - don't know where you all are getting your extra money - but if you want to give it to the govt - go ahead.
I get feed up with Local, Commonwealth and Federal tax and fee increased that can not be made up with salary increases. Stafford needs to institute a BPOL tax to provide the necessary revenues needed to address mandatory obligations. Controlling growth should be priority since the infrastructure is failing - look how the water department can not keep up with current water usage demands! November's elections will be intersting to follow. Staford pass the BPOL TAX NOW
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