| Statistic | Amherst | Virginia | National |
| Population | 2,581 | 8,535,519 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 526 | 218 | 91 |
| Median age | 51.2 | 37.8 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 1.1:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 62% | 57% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 36% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 93% | 84% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 6% | 7% | 13% |
Understanding the demographics of Amherst is essential for gaining insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of any city, town or village. This knowledge empowers planners, developers and policymakers to strategize effectively, promoting prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Amherst population is 2,581, with a population density of 526 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 51.2, and 62% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 36% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Amherst, 30% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 18% report an income exceeding $150,000, indicating a varied economic landscape within the area.
The Amherst racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Amherst is 76.3% White, 22.2% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian - 8.8% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 93.5% reported speaking English only, while 6.1% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 2.4% of residents were considered foreign born.
Regions characterized by lower-than-average population density, such as Amherst, offer a chance for a more relaxed lifestyle, deeper connection to nature, vibrant community bonds, enhanced affordability, and heightened safety, making them enticing options for those seeking refuge from the frenetic pace of urban life. These areas often boast a more budget-friendly cost of living, with housing prices typically more affordable and residents may benefit from reduced taxes, living expenses, and insurance rates. Low population density areas often exhibit lower crime rates than densely populated urban regions, fostering a greater sense of safety and security for residents and their families. The Amherst population density is 526 people per square mile, which ranks below 50% of cities nationwide, presenting ample opportunities to enjoy these exceptional benefits.
Education Allocation: Utilizing census data like Amherst demographics can be useful in guiding education planning, as it helps identify student demographics, school enrollment trends and educational needs. This data assists schools and policymakers in allocating resources and devising effective educational programs. It serves as a vital tool for recognizing disparities in educational access and outcomes among various demographic groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status and students with disabilities. By disaggregating data based on demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to enhance access, support and outcomes for marginalized students. In essence, Amherst demographic statistics can play an indispensable role in education by promoting equity, bolstering student success and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to meet the needs of all students.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics serve as vital tools for informing policy and decision-making processes across various levels of government, as well as within organizations and businesses. Through the reporting and analysis of demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of need, allocate resources efficiently, and craft tailored policies and programs to address the unique needs and priorities of different demographic groups. The utilization of demographic data in Amherst is instrumental in policy planning, facilitating resource allocation, evidence-based decision-making, priority identification, trend forecasting, policy impact assessment, and the promotion of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can devise targeted, impactful, and inclusive policies that cater to the diverse needs of communities.
Healthcare Planning: By analyzing the Amherst demographic data, it can potentially inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities, and risk factors. Understanding demographic trends helps healthcare providers and policymakers allocate resources, develop prevention and intervention programs, and address health inequities within communities. By leveraging demographic data, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards achieving equitable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive approach to healthcare planning ensures that interventions are targeted, resources are allocated efficiently, and healthcare services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of populations.
| Race | Amherst | Virginia | National |
| White | 76.29% | 68.75% | 73.35% |
| Black | 22.16% | 19.21% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.23% | 6.05% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.00% | 0.26% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.07% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 0.46% | 3.37% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.85% | 2.30% | 4.75% |
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