Short Pump is a rapidly growing development census designated place in Henrico, County in the state of Virginia. Short Pump is best known for highly ranked public schools, high end shopping, and the finest of brands, employment opportunities and more. Short Pump has developed from a quaint town, to a fancy, attractive area. The objective of this analysis will discuss and compare statistics and provide insight to such a rapidly growing area.
Fact Finder reports Short Pump, Virginia’s temperature historically averages at 56.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The U.S. Census Bureau defines Henrico County with 245 sq. miles, 234 sq. miles is occupied by land elements and 11 sq. miles is occupied by water (Census).
The Census bureau reports show that the population in Short Pump is 27,099, which grew from 26,902 since 2015, at a rate of 14%. The average age of the population is occupied by adults 35 years of age, as mentioned by Data USA. The most noted ethnic backgrounds that occupy the population are approximately 20,205 (68%) White, 4991 (18.8%) are Asian,1329 (7%) are Black, and 713 are Hispanic. 52.1% of people in Short Pump are religious, which doesn’t stray too far away from the 73% of religious population in the state of Virginia. The most prominent preferences are the 19% Baptist, 7.6% Christian-other faith, according to Data USA.
The predominant amount of the population in Short Pump is White. Statistically speaking, there is a tremendous gap between the diversity of the population, which can be intimidating. The population density of this area is approximately 2,981 per square mile, compared to 82 per square mile in Virginia reported by Data USA.
The population of Short Pump is predominantly occupied by 70% of family households which closely follows the 67% of family households occupying the entire state of Virginia. On a good note, only 2% of Short Pump individuals live at or below the poverty line, which is approximately 25,000 for a family consisting of 4 household members, as mentioned by the Census bureau. In contrast, 18% of the population have unmarried female heads of household receive public assistance, 5% of the married couples with small families received the same services and 0% male heads of household received benefits (Census).
The Housing Urban Development (HUD) agencies that service the Short Pump area are the Virginia Housing Development Authority and Henrico county. Agencies such as these, provide services to low-income workers who may be eligible for programs such as public housing, section 8 housing choice voucher, and other low-income housing benefits. In Short Pump, there are 0 HUD funded opportunities (Census).
The Veteran community occupies 30% of Short Pump’s population, which isn’t too far from the 45% of veterans that occupy the U.S. (Data USA). The Department of Veterans’ Affairs advocates and provides resources and assistance to enhance their quality of life, in exchange for their service for our country, according to the Census bureau. The closest Department of Veteran Affairs is 20 minutes from the Short Pump area and is serviced by Henrico County.
Short Pump is concentrated by industries in management and enterprises, finances and insurance, and professional technical services (DATA USA). The highest paying career fields, there, are legal, health practitioners and management. According to the Census bureau, 75% of the population, there, are employed and only 2% are unemployed. The unemployment rate is lower than the 4% in the U.S. which, most recently, peaked in 2015 at 7%.
Short Pump has a robust economy, which stems from attractive companies, luxury homes, and high-end features. The average household income, there, is approximately $111,296 which is significantly higher than the average household income in the U.S of $66,149 in 2016, reported by Data USA.
The average property value in Short Pump is $379,700 which has sky-rocketed since the $60,531 property value in 2000. This makes for strict Homeownership Association (HOA) rules and guidelines. In contrast, Henrico County’s average estimated property value is $232,600 which is a close comparison to $240,700 home value in the U.S., reported by the Census Bureau.
Short Pump, which is a CDP in Henrico County, has a 1% sales tax. Virginia’s sales tax is 4.3%, which brings the total sales tax to equal 5.3% in Short Pump. The area features high end shopping and fine dining and groceries.
In 2003, the biggest development for the community was the 120,0000 sq. ft. Short Pump Town-Center mall which features open atmosphere, high end shopping brands and finest products (Short Pump Directory). Shopping and dining options consist of, but aren’t limited to, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Wegmans, REI, Home Goods, Maggianos, Fire Birds, Bakers Crust, Wineloft, Bone Fish Grill, Nordstrom, Finks Jewelers, Swarvoski, a 4 Diamond Hilton Hotel and Spa, The Funny Bone Comedy Club and more. Also, Short Pump features a top of the line athletic club named ACAC (Atlantic Coast Athletic Club) which is known for their rooftop pool.
A report from WRIC suggests highly populated areas that rapidly grow in population of individuals with high incomes become vulnerable to economic robberies by desperate people. The crime has increased in the area due to the attention from nearby attractions. However, it is a bit unclear as to why crime in this area are making headlines. Perhaps, the community cannot believe that these desperate crimes are happening in their area or they are happening, increasingly, due to population density.
Probably the most disappointing factor and disadvantage of Short Pump is the congestion in the area. Almost any time during the day, the traffic is said to crawl and creep down the roadways. Due to a large population, congested traffic from drivers, this creates more air pollution.
Short Pump, which is in the West End of Henrico County, is notably recognized for their highly ranked public schools. There are 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools and 2 high- schools, which is ranked at 90.1% high school graduates or better. This is the #1 ranking school system in the area, a close second is named Chesterfield County in the southside of Virginia.
The biggest university in the Short Pump area is South University, which has approximately 125 graduates per year, according to college factual. Other surrounding universities, which are nationally known, is Virginia Commonwealth University which is 12 miles away, and the University of Richmond which is 8 miles away. Both universities have about 61 % graduation rate which closely compares to the national average U.S. graduation rate of 59%. Also, the University of Richmond 8 miles away and has a similar, successful, graduation rate.
As mentioned, there is a large deficit between the ethnic backgrounds that occupy the population of Short Pump, which is predominantly White. Unfortunately, there is noted racism within the area public schools in which parents’, or minority ethnic descent, major complaint is that students get mere slaps on the wrists regarding disciplinary actions. Also, according to WRIC due to congested traffic, and rapid population growth, schools are forced to open trailers for classroom extensions. Majority of the problems that exist in Short Pump stem from over growth of population and increasing demand for police presence to regulate the population.
Regarding politics, 57% of the population voted for Clinton, while 37% voted for Trump in 2016. In contrast, in 2003 56% of the same population voted for Barack, while 43% voted for McCain. From 1996- 2000 Short Pump has transitioned to 53-55% republican from the 36% republican census in 2016, which was said to be 57% democratic. Donald Trump President of the U.S. with Vice President Michael Pence (Census)
In conclusion, Short Pump has history, attractive homes, and a robust economy. In contrast, the rapid pace of population growth is a major community issue. Thus, contributes to issues with air quality service. Short Pump is popular area for big families, because there are plenty of housing options are available. This area is most notably known for highly rated for its county schools which is a major factor for attracting families. However, highly populated areas with high incomes create susceptibility to break-ins and robberies.
The area is always heavily congested with traffic due to the attractions. Housing areas rapidly expand and develop due to high end restaurants, businesses etc. However, due to the area being so exclusive this promotes strict HOA rules. Thus, has room for improvement. Perhaps, more redistricting should be deliberated and may take place to adjust for the population growth.
