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Economic Development
Welcome to the City of Emporia, Virginia!
Perched on the fall line of the Coastal Plain, the City of Emporia has historically been a commercial hub in Southside Virginia. With an estimated population of 5,700, The City of Emporia is the southern gateway to Virginia. Just 8 miles from the North Carolina line, it is the first municipality on I-95 heading into Virginia. Emporia is an hour's drive (65 miles) from the Capital City of Richmond, three hours' drive (180 miles) from the Nation's Capital, Washington, D.C., and strategically "mid-way between the Big Apple and Disney world." Our city sees an average of 60,000 vehicles daily with an average daytime population of over 12,000.
Strategically located on the East Coast with crossroads of Interstate 95 and U.S. Routes 58 and 301, Emporia is a rapidly emerging commerce and industry center. Coupled with its central location and pro-business environment, Emporia offers all of the amenities and resources to work, grow, and prosper. The City of Emporia's Economic Development mission is to encourage economic growth by strengthening the City's competitive position and facilitating investments that build capacity, create jobs, generate economic opportunity, and improve quality of life.