Fairfax Unit 2023 Situation Analysis Report

Introduction

The VCE Fairfax Unit is committed to providing educational programming that uniquely reflects the needs of Fairfax County. While VCE faculty and staff adapt to changing needs on an ongoing basis, we also conduct a formalized situation analysis every five years. This analysis seeks an in-depth understanding of the community’s needs. Identifying the highest priority issues allows us to design and implement the most effective educational responses. Extension educational programming starts with an understanding of community needs. We used several methods to assess the community needs. In 2023, VCE conducted a state level needs assessment survey. This representative survey provided data on what Virginians view as high priority needs. Locally, we conducted an online survey asking community members to rate the importance of issues. We conducted a community charrette in Herndon to gather in-depth perspectives on a neighborhood level. And we included relevant county reports including the Community Health Improvement Plan (Fairfax County Health Department) and the Fairfax County Youth Survey (Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors).

Unit Profile

Over the last many decades, Fairfax County has evolved from a rural area to a suburb of Washington, D.C., and now to a vibrant, densely populated area with urban centers of its own. Fifteen miles west of Washington, D.C., the county covers 395 square land miles within the Shenandoah/Chesapeake Bay Watershed and along the Potomac River shoreline. Fairfax County and the independent cities and towns of Falls Church, Reston, Fairfax City, Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna are home to nearly 1.2 million residents. Overall, the population is diverse, highly educated, and wealthy, though disparities exist by race/ethnicity, age, and geography.

Since 1970, Fairfax County’s population has more than tripled in size; the County’s population reached 1,148,433 in the 2020 U.S. Census. As the most populous jurisdiction in Virginia, Fairfax County’s population exceeds that of six states and the District of Columbia. One in eight Virginians resides in Fairfax County.

Fairfax County has a rich diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds, and our diversity has continued to grow since our last situation analysis. In 2023, more than one in two (51%) residents reported a race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic white. In the past 25 years, the Asian population has more than doubled; the Hispanic population has more than tripled. Nearly forty percent of residents speak a language other than English at home, and students in Fairfax County Public Schools speak 180 languages.

As of 2022, an estimated 13.4 percent of Fairfax County residents are 65 or older, and by 2035, this number is projected to grow to 17.7 percent. This means that about one in seven county residents are 65 or older —and this ratio will increase to one in five by 2035. While the county’s aging population is increasing, it’s doing so at a slightly slower pace than the state and nation. By 2030, the U.S. will face a demographic tipping point when all baby boomers will be 65, and one in five residents will be at retirement age, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Socioeconomic Indicators

Fairfax County’s 2023 median household income of $145,185 is nearly double the state and national medians ($80,268 and $71,538, respectively). Yet, with a notably higher cost-of-living in Fairfax, 30.1% of households earn incomes below $75,000, the amount a family of four needs to cover basic living expenses (http://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/51059). In Fairfax, 7.9% of households—68,141 residents--earn less than $25,750. Poverty rates have increased since our last situation analysis in 2018. The poverty rate increased from 6.9% in 2018 to 7.9 % in 2023. Fairfax County’s Department of Human Services and other emergency assistance providers are under more pressure than ever to find food, rent, utilities, and other support services for our County’s most vulnerable residents. To keep up with the high cost-of-living in Fairfax, two wage-earner households rose to a new high, creating challenges for parents of school-aged children. The need has increased for community-based programming that provides a safe place for children to go. According to 2023 data, 26.1% of the population is under 20 years old. There are 222 public schools and educational centers in Fairfax County, with 178,479 students for the (2023-24) school year. Fairfax County Public School district is the largest school system in the Commonwealth and the 10th largest school district in the nation. The high school graduation rate has increased by one percent for a rate of (93%) since the last situation analysis; 63% of the county’s residents have a four- or six-year college degree.

Fairfax County has over 30,000 acres of parkland. This includes bike trails, athletic fields, golf courses and lakes. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Metrorail train service is 119 miles long and provides bus and rail service for thousands of Fairfax County residents, commuters, and visitors every year. Fairfax County is served by ten Metrorail stations on the Orange, Silver, Blue and Yellow lines. The entire silver metro rail line was completed in 2020 servicing the Dulles Airport area and other Western parts of Fairfax County and into Loudoun County.

Health Indicators

Between 2018 and 2021, the top five causes of death in the Fairfax community were cancer, heart/cardiovascular disease, stroke, accidents, and COVID-19. Asthma and arthritis are also among the top reasons for hospitalization in Fairfax, but not for death. Between 2016 and 2020, overall cancer incidence in the Fairfax community (338.0 per 100,000) compares favorably to state rates (413.2 per 100,000). While the incidence of most cancers has declined, the rate of breast cancer has been increasing since 2010. Female breast cancer rates in Fairfax (123.4 per 100,000) are similar to the Virginia rate (126.9 per 100,000). Prostate cancer incidence rate is 48% higher in African Americans than the overall value of 94.6 cases per 100,000 males. While the percentage of adults with diabetes in Fairfax (8.0%) is lower than the state (11.1%), this rate has increased from 6.5% in 2011.

The Fairfax community has higher rates of tuberculosis (4.8 per 100,000) and Lyme disease (18.0 per 100,000) compared to Virginia overall. Between 2016 and 2020, 542 deaths in Fairfax County were attributed to drug overdose for all substances. While this number is disturbing, Fairfax County’s age-adjusted death rate per 100,000 is 9.5, which is less than half of the rate in Virginia (19.3) or the United States (22.4). Firearm deaths increased 25% from 2018 to 2022.

Fairfax County’s 65+ age group was the fastest growing between 2010 and 2022, with its population increasing 60%. The 35 to 49 age group declined the most, dropping 4.6% between 2010 and 2022. Life expectancy in Fairfax County (82.58 years) is higher than the state (78.73 years) and the nation (78.69 years). Nationally, Fairfax County ranks 11th for male life expectancy and 15th for female life expectancy as of 2014. Though high overall, life expectancy varies by as much as 11 years across the county, from 78 years in parts of Centreville, Annandale, and the Route 1 corridor to 89 years in neighborhoods near Reston Town Center and Tysons Corner.

Community and Resident Perspectives

One Hundred and fifty-five residents completed the online community survey, which asked respondents to rate the importance of 21 issues. Agents analyzed the community survey results and identified 4 themes from the issue rankings and comments. Agents presented these preliminary findings to representatives from each of the three major volunteer groups (4-H Volunteers, Master Gardeners, and Master Food Volunteers). The findings were endorsed by partner and volunteer group representatives. Community and resident perspectives are included with each priority issue description.

The Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax (PFHF) is a coalition of a diverse group of individuals, community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, businesses, faith communities and government agencies. It was formed in 2010 to guide organizational approaches for addressing critical public health issues. The PFHF develops a Community Health Improvement Plan every five years, which serves as a roadmap for implementing community-owned, public health initiatives. The three community health priority areas in the 2019-2023 are:

• Healthy Eating – promoting the accessibility, availability, and affordability of healthy food for all.
• Healthy Environment and Active Living – improving the community environment to support active living and good health for all, and
• Behavioral Health – promoting social and emotional wellness for all.

Along with identifying these priority issues, the CHIP delineates goals such as improving access to fresh and healthy food for all and increasing the consumption of healthy foods and beverages. By aligning VCE’s work with the CHIP we are addressing the most critical issues and working in tandem with partner organizations to address them.

Our priority community issues were discussed by staff and volunteers. The figures included below are from the online survey asking community members to rate the importance of issues. The figures attempt to summarize the major issues with an overarching theme of Youth Development programs across all program areas. Figure 1 highlights Family and Consumer Sciences, Figure 2 highlights Community Viability and Figure 3 highlights Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Percentage of efforts for Family and Consumer Sciences programs

Methods: denominator is the total number who answered questions (there was not an option for 'n/a' or 'don't know'). Numerator is those that answered high or very high effort.
Highest effort highlighted in yellow.

Percentage of efforts for Community Viability programs

Methods: denominator is the total number who answered questions (there was not an option for 'n/a' or 'don't know'). Numerator is those that answered high or very high effort.
Highest effort highlighted in yellow.

Methods: denominator is the total number who answered questions (there was not an option for 'n/a' or 'don't know'). Numerator is those that answered high or very high effort.
Highest effort highlighted in yellow.

Community Issues

The 2023 Fairfax County Situation Analysis consists of key issues, which were identified by evaluating shifts in demographic surveillance data, surveying community stakeholders (e.g. VCE volunteers, program partners, program participants, and local elected officials), and consulting boards and committees (i.e. Northern Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, Master Gardeners, Master Food Volunteers, and 4-H Clubs). Surveillance data included the Fairfax Unit Profile prepared by VCE, along with county government reports on diversity, economic stability, education, and community planning (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/government/about/data/. The online community survey asked respondents to rate the importance of issues. Agents analyzed the community survey results and identified 4 themes from the issue rankings and comments.

Priority Issue: Prevent and Manage Chronic Disease

Chronic disease and healthy lifestyles was a priority issue in Fairfax’s last two situation analyses, and improving lifestyle persists as a critical issue today. Although the northern Virginia region’s chronic disease rates are generally lower than state and national averages, Fairfax County community health status assessments report dramatic and increasing health disparities among ethnic and racial minorities, particular age groups, income groups, as well as certain geographical areas. In Fairfax County, three of the five leading causes of death are mediated by lifestyle choice: cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. A community behavioral assessment by the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax identified the top contributors to premature death and chronic disease, by percentage of population: no exercise (14.6%), few fruits and vegetables eaten daily (71.5%), and high blood pressure (19.6%). Further, chronic conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol are prevalent among Fairfax adults. Fairfax County’s aging population has increased steadily over the last several years, increasing 60% between 2010 and 2022. Individuals have decided to retire locally, with an increased need for programs and resources. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Committee on Aging identifies health promotion among people of retired age to be a priority in this population. The strategic plan for the county identifies Virginia Cooperative Extension as a key partner agency for providing nutrition education classes and support.

VCE’s Role: Though led by FCS nutrition programming, lifestyle and chronic disease is addressed by all faculty and staff at the Fairfax Unit, including Horticulture, 4-H, and general office activities. Nutrition programs empower residents to make healthy choices by teaching basic nutrition and cooking skills, and the Master Food Volunteer program helps FCS reach even more people. While all community members benefit from improved lifestyle, the Fairfax Unit pays special attention to low-income communities. Our Family Nutrition Program Assistants and SNAP-Ed Agent provide nutrition classes for low-income individuals and families receiving or eligible to receive SNAP benefits. VCE collaborates with the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging in offering programs and activities. Intergenerational programs are a key component in many of our VCE Programs. Master Gardener and Master Food Volunteer education programs are popular with those who are retiring or near retirement age. 4-H programs lend themselves to opportunities for intergenerational programs. 98% of participants in a 2023 Neighborhood and Community Services customer satisfaction survey reported feeling more involved and connected by being involved in or volunteering for VCE’s programs.

Priority Issue: Youth Leadership Development

The UNESCO institute for Education recommends that youth development organizations "ensure that the learning needs of all young people and adults are met through equitable access to appropriate learning and life skills programs." In a survey of Fairfax County Virginia Cooperative Extension clientele, 85.4% responded that involvement in the community, socialization with peers and leadership skills are major issues confronting youth of Fairfax County that can be addressed through educational programming. 4-H affords the community with a variety of programming to provide ample access to positive youth activities including leadership, citizenship, and life-skills development programs.

Social Forces has reported that adolescents who are involved in community service have been found more likely to have a strong work ethic as adults and are more likely to volunteer in the future. Volunteering in adolescence is also related to overall positive academic, psychological, and occupational outcomes. Regarding workplace readiness as youth transition, the following skill development and educational opportunities are suggested: having a sense of purpose so youth can navigate labor market fluctuations, healthy behaviors, avoiding risky behaviors, positive mental health, resilience, strong work ethic, social competence, and creativity.

Additionally, 80% of Fairfax County residents surveyed ranked leadership and personal development as one of the most important programming areas for youth in the county.

VCE’s Role: Extension addresses these issues through its 4-H youth development program. Here in Fairfax County, we provide positive youth development programming through a variety of methods. We currently have 9 active 4-H clubs & 2 military partnered 4-H clubs that meet monthly. Every club serves as a safe place for youth to meet and learn about a certain area of focus. Our clubs meet at different times. Each club is led by adult volunteers and the scheduled meeting times are based on the availability of the members and the volunteers. Each club is unique in its own fashion and studies a wide variety of topics throughout the year. We have clubs that focus on specific projects, such as beekeeping and K-9 training to name a few. Also, we have community clubs which select several projects to work on throughout the year. For example, one of our community clubs in the past has completed home food preservation, sewing, computer hardware, and community service projects. No matter what project a youth participates in, they will learn valuable life skills that develop them into outstanding individuals. Effectively, every club provides an outlet for youth to foster positive development including leadership and citizenship skills. The county provides additional experiences outside of the volunteer led clubs, like after school programs and mentorship.

Within the extension office, we organize several events to ensure that the youth are gaining additional information, life skills, and citizenship that they otherwise would not be provided by doing. Having the youth do more gives them the enthusiasm to be both productive and contributing citizens in society. One of the many events that we organize is the annual public speaking and presentation competition giving 4-H members the chance to display what they have learned during the 4-H year. 4-H members that place in the competition are afforded the opportunity to take their talents and compete at the district and state level. In addition, Extension also organizes an annual overnight camp, providing youth with a week-long fun, safe, educational environment. While at the camp it is our mission to incorporate individual learning outcomes focusing in the areas of social, mental, and physical development. 4-H is also involved in two school enrichment programs, embryology and Ready, Set, Grow! Within a school enrichment program, extension is involved directly in the classroom with the participants actively engaged in learning the material. Using the school enrichment delivery method, 4-H can impact the lives of many more youth in the community. In addition to the above programming, we have added partnerships with DFS (Department of Family Services), Foster Care, and Children’s Science center to create specific programming to meet more youth in the community. These experiences provide youth opportunities for after school activities, development, leadership opportunities, and community involvement, all while learning skills that they will rely on for the rest of their life.

Priority Issue: Reduce Food Insecurity

Nearly 19.5% of households that make up Fairfax County’s 1.2 million residents earn incomes below the cost of basic living expenses, resulting in thousands of residents struggling to access healthful foods. High priority issues in Fairfax County community health status assessments report dramatic and increasing health disparities among ethnic and racial minorities, particular age groups, income groups, as well as certain geographical areas. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many issues, including food insecurity, physical health, and mental health. Nearly 75,000 residents are food insecure and just under 60,000 children qualify for free and reduced meals in Fairfax County Public Schools. Since the pandemic, it is estimated that the number of residents who are food insecure has doubled.

With the help of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the local foods movement throughout the commonwealth has gained momentum in support of Virginia agriculture. This movement not only promotes green, sustainable agriculture, but also contributes to Virginia’s economy. Urban areas such as Fairfax County are key players in the food system, and local agents are poised to provide expertise and leadership. Urban agriculture education and support helps people of all incomes successfully grow food in our Northern Virginia climate and soil while preserving land sustainability. As communities produce more food, they are faced with decisions on how to extend the shelf life. Home food preservation introduces risks such as botulism, and education and support for safe food handling is warranted.

VCE’s Role: Since 2015, more than 50 public and private partners convened to form the Fairfax Food Council (FFC), envisioning a community where all residents have equitable access to healthful food through two main working groups: Food Access and Literacy and Urban Agriculture. While VCE Fairfax is positioned to address this ongoing issue through community leadership and educational programming, our relatively small staff would benefit from increased visibility and support for programs in our large county. VCE Master Gardener and Master Food Volunteers promote programs to eat more green and local foods. Master Gardener and Master Food Volunteers facilitate education programs at schools, mentor community gardens, donate food to food pantries and staff info sessions at local farmers markets. Extension addresses safe food handling through education on the five behaviors identified by the CDC to prevent most foodborne illness outbreaks: purchasing food from safe sources, cooking food correctly, holding food at proper temperatures, using uncontaminated equipment, and practicing good personal hygiene. Food safety is incorporated into every nutrition program, including FNP classes. Extension provides food safety training for professionals and community members serving the public. Trained FCS agents and Master Food Volunteers provide food preservation programs at community centers and other partner groups throughout the county.

Priority Issue: Environment/Water Quality/Pesticides

In our community survey respondents ranked these topics as high (figure 3). The last ten years’ development has steadily increased in housing units and pressing environmental issues are Storm Water Management/Water Quality/ Wetland Preservation/Turf Reduction/Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides. As development increases storm water management and water quality become issues since more and more impervious surfaces are developed. Water quality and algae growth problems are important since the Chesapeake Bay is impacted by urban sprawl. Flora and Fauna Management (wildlife, invasives/exotics, “right plant right place”): Due to development issues and lack of education, residents and professionals often have conflicts with wildlife and invasive plants. This has led to several priority issues, of which VCE is responsible for some role in each: Loss of Tree Canopy/Replacement of Trees. As development increases larger trees are removed and replaced with smaller trees after construction, these trees are left to struggle in harsh conditions. Research has shown that trees that are planted in urban areas survive approximately 7-10 years. Often citizens do not realize that some plants sold at the nursery can become invasive. Pesticide use and misuse entails many issues. Residents and professionals often just want the “silver bullet” effect. Major issues include overuse of pesticides, professionals with lack of pesticide Fairfax County has thousands of certified pesticide applicators but has many that are still not certified.

VCE’s Role: VCE Master Gardeners have 27 plant clinics across the county in which plant problem diagnosis and insect identification can be obtained. Programs for Nutrient Management such as “Home Turf '' help the homeowner learn more about their lawn and fertilizers and be more sensitive toward the Chesapeake Bay. VCE also plays an active role in planning education opportunities at Green Industry professional workshops, local civic associations and citizen groups. This is a large issue in which many other partnership agencies contribute, they include the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District NVSWCD (VCE Horticulture Extension Agent is a member of the Board), Fairfax County Department of Public Works, Environmental Services (DPWES), Fairfax County Tree Commission, Fairfax ReLeaf, Virginia Department of Forestry and Earth Sangha. VCE addresses pesticide education (certification and recertification programs) through workshops and classes that they partner with Green Industry Professional organizations and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) who investigates and regulates pesticide problems. VCE contributes to the MS-4 annual plan of work and data to the state for the phase III WIP goals.

Other Issues of Note

Transportation is a critical component of self-sufficiency and impacts youth, family, and senior issues. This is one of the most talked about issues. Everyday transportation is a challenge, program participants may find that geographic and traffic boundaries make it difficult for them to participate. This is especially true for the working poor, elderly, persons with disabilities, or those wishing to access services. While VCE’s role is limited in this issue, it is important to program design. Since 2020, Fairfax County VCE and residents have increasingly relied on virtual and remote programming. County agencies such as the Area Commission on Aging provide technical support to computer learners. Families and individuals can receive assistance with internet connectivity, which is a core service in this area. We collaborate with FASTRAN, a County transportation service, part of Neighborhood and Community Services. In the fast-paced urban environment of Fairfax County, most residents wish there were more hours in their day. Residents find themselves with challenges such as needing to avoid traffic jams and caring for their children as well as their aging parents.

Parenting and Financial Education are key components of healthy families, and these issues were important to community survey respondents. Poor family management practices are defined as parents failing to communicate clear expectations for behavior, and parents failing to monitor and supervise their children (knowing where they are and with whom they are occupied). Children exposed to poor family management are at greater risk of substance abuse, violence, delinquency, school drop-out or general failure. In Fairfax County, the Department of Family Services, Department of Housing and Department of Adoption and Foster Care focus on programs for these issues. Fairfax County maintains an array of financial literacy resources, including:

Consumer Education Topics - see Financial/Shopping https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer/csd/consumer-education-topics

Housing & Community Development http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rha/homeownership/news/financialeducation.htm

Britepaths financial empowerment opportunities https://britepaths.org/our-services/financial-empowerment/

Further, residents can receive personalized assistance obtaining food, clothing, housing, transportation, and much more through Fairfax County’s Coordinated Services Planning agency, at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/coordinated-services-planning or call 703-222-0880 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Future Programming to Address Community Issues

Each of our local Fairfax priority issues above has a section that states VCE’s role. We plan to work with our communities, volunteers, and partners to address issues with our planned programs. Looking ahead at these programs and issues facing Fairfax County, it is clear that we are sorely understaffed. Planning and future programs become a challenge. While VCE Fairfax is positioned to address these ongoing priority issues through community leadership and educational programming, our relatively small staff would benefit from increased size, visibility, and support for programs in our large county. The opportunities are endless to address the four priority issues listed.

Our VCE unit has been given an opportunity to address these very basic local priorities with a partnership with the Ruth and Hal Launders Charitable Trust. We are currently working with the VT Center for Economic and Community Engagement and the Virginia Center for Housing Research to determine a plan and programs for the community surrounding the new Arrowbrook Centre development in Herndon.

References and Additional Resources

Virginia Department of Health. (2023). Data Portal. Retrieved from http://vdh.virginia.gov/data/

Fairfax County Community Health Improvement Plan, 2019-2023, Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax. https://www.livehealthyfairfax.org/content/sites/fairfax/community-health-improvement-plan-2019-2023.pdf

Fairfax County Economic, Demographic and Statistical Research (EDSR) unit. Data portal. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/demographics/

2018 VCE Situation Analysis reports: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/search-results.html?q=unit+profile

Visit Virginia Cooperative Extension: ext.vt.edu