The Richmond metro area is a magnet for labor, drawing a workforce from more than 40 localities statewide. A combination of diverse industries with numerous educational institutions provide an ample workforce with positive work attitudes and a range of skills and experience.
Education & Training
Nearly 30 colleges and universities produce a steady stream of employees for new and expanding companies in fields including business, engineering, law, and medicine.
The Richmond Region offers a highly educated workforce, with 90 percent of the population 25 and older holding a high school degree or higher, and 37 percent holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The Richmond Region offers an array of educational resources to meet the education and training needs of any company.
- Award-winning public schools are supplemented by a variety of private and parochial schools.
- At the secondary level, career and technical programs, college prep, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs are available.
- A full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs is available.
Labor Statistics
Historically, the Richmond Region has enjoyed low levels of unemployment. In recent years, the rates have remained at or below the national average.
| Richmond MSA | Virginia | USA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian Labor Force | 693,915 | 4,433,184 | 164,019,000 |
| Employed | 673,499 | 4,311,185 | 157,816,000 |
| Unemployed | 20,416 | 122,999 | 6,203,000 |
| Unemployment Rate (%) | 2.9 | 2.8 | 3.8 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2019, Not Seasonally Adjusted