Demographic Voter Makeup: Virginia

*Editor’s note: This is the last installment in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies and birthplace of four of the first five Presidents. Virginia is an important battleground state with 8,001,024 people which makes it the 12th largest state with 13 electoral votes. From the first election to 1808, the state had the most electoral votes. Barack Obama defeated John McCain there by a margin of 53% to 46% in 2008. Much like North Carolina, Virginia has seen drastic demographic changes making it far more likely to vote for a Democrat then in previous elections; it has voted Republican in every election since 1952 with the exception of 2008 and 1964. The state has two Democratic Senators, a Republican Governor, an equally divided State Senate, and a heavily Republican State House.

Population

Population: 8,001,024 (2010)
State rank: 12^th
Change since 2000 census: up 13.0%
Most populated cities
Virginia Beach 437,994
Norfolk 242,803
Chesapeake 222,209
Arlington CDP 207,627
Household Income
Under $15K: 10.4%
$15K-$50K: 31.2%
$50K-$100K: 31.6%
$100K-$200K: 20.8%
Over $200K: 6.1%
Median Income: $60,539

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Demographic Voter Makeup: Ohio

*Editor’s note: This is part eleven in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Later Today Virginia

It is hard to find a credible path to the White House for Mitt Romney without Ohio. No Republican has ever won the White House without winning the Buckeye State. Since 1944, Ohioans have sided with the losing candidate only once when they voted for Nixon in 1960, making Ohio a true bellwether state. Ohio, like much of the industrial Midwest, has lost significant population resulting in a loss of about a third of its electoral votes since the 1960s. 2010 marks the fifth consecutive Census where Ohio has lost electoral votes. Mitt Romney will have to overcome the vastly improved economy and his opposition to the auto bailout in order to win Ohio’s 18 electoral votes. One out of every eight jobs in Ohio is directly tied to the auto industry. Democrats in Ohio remain motivated due to a victory last year that struck down a bill restricting workers’ rights to collectively bargain. In 2008 Barack Obama defeated John McCain by 5 points, 52% to 47%. In all likelihood whoever wins Ohio wins the presidency.

Population: 11,536,504 (2010)

State rank: 7th
Change since 2000 census: Up 1.6%
Most populated cities
Columbus 787,033
Cleveland 396,815
Cincinnati 296,943
Toledo 287,208
Household Income
Under $15K: 14.5%
$15K-$50K: 38.5%
$50K-$100K: 31.3%
$100K-$200K: 13.3%
Over $200K: 2.5%
Median Income: $46,838
Home Value

Under $100K: 30.2%

$100K-$300K: 60.3%
Over $300K: 9.5%
Median Value: $136,900

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Demographic Voter Makeup: Nevada

*Editor’s note: This is part ten in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Tomorrow Ohio and Virginia

Nevada has seen the largest percentage in population growth over the past decade with its population tripling since 1980. This population growth gives Nevada one more electoral vote than it had in 2008 (now up to 6) when it voted overwhelming for Barack Obama by a margin of 55% to 43%. However, the economic outlook has declined considerably since President Obama won the Silver State four years ago. Nevada has the nation’s highest rates of home foreclosure and unemployment. The advantage for the president is a large Hispanic voter base and a huge push for early voting. Nevada is the only state to ever cast just two electoral votes. In the 1864 election, just after gaining statehood, the third elector was snowbound and because the new state government had yet to be called into session, there was no way to select a replacement elector.

Population

Population: 2,700,551 (2010)

State rank: 35^th
Change since 2000 census: up 35.1%
Most populated cities
Las Vegas 583,756
Henderson 257,729
Reno 225,221
Paradise CDP 223,167
Household Income
Under $15K: 9.4%
$15K-$50K: 35.1%
$50K-$100K: 34.9%
$100K-$200K: 17.2%
Over $200K: 3.3%
Median Income: $55,322

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Demographic Voter Makeup: Colorado

*Editor’s note: This is part nine in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Later Today Nevada

Colorado has only voted Democratic in two of the last ten presidential elections and only three times since WWII. In 2008 and in the 2010 midterms Independents and women voted overwhelmingly in favor of Democrats, which lead to surprise Democratic wins in the governor’s and senate races. With a growing Hispanic population, Colorado is now considered in play for Democrats when it never would have been in the past. The state’s population has been growing, and now has nine electoral votes up from six in the 1960s. The Centennial State voted for Barack Obama by 54%-45% margin over John McCain

Population

Population: 5,029,196 (2010)
State rank: 22^nd
Change since 2000 census: up 16.9%
Most populated cities
Denver 600,158
Colorado Springs 416,427
Aurora 325,078
Fort Collins 143,986
Household Income
Under $15K: 11.2%
$15K-$50K: 33.3%
$50K-$100K: 32.3%
$100K-$200K: 18.8%
Over $200K: 4.4%
Median Income: $56,334

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Demographic Voter Makeup: Pennsylvania

*Editor’s note: This is part eight in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Tomorrow Colorado and Nevada

Pennsylvania was the second state admitted to the Union, officially becoming a state in December 1787. The Keystone State has participated in all 56 presidential elections. Pennsylvania is generally considered a swing state, but it has voted Democratic in the last five elections. In 2008, Barack Obama beat John McCain by about 11%. While still an important prize with 20 electoral votes, Pennsylvania, like many industrial northern states, has seen mass population decline in recent decades. Peaking at 38 electoral votes in the early 1900’s, the state has lost about 45 percent of its electoral votes in 80 years.

Population

Population: 12,702,379 (2010)
State rank: 6^th
Change since 2000 census: up 3.4%
Most populated cities
Philadelphia 1,526,006
Pittsburgh 305,704
Allentown 118,032
Erie 101,786
Household Income
Under $15K: 13.2%
$15K-$50K: 36.8%
$50K-$100K: 31.5%
$100K-$200K: 15.0%
Over $200K: 3.5%
Median Income: $50,028

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Demographic Voter Makeup: North Carolina

*Editor’s note: This is part seven in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Later Today Pennsylvania

North Carolina is usually a dark a red state that has only voted blue twice since 1964 in 1976 and 2008; the fact the state voted for Obama in 2008 is an ever so small glimmer of hope for a 2012 win for Democrats. The Tar Heel State was the 2nd closest race of the 2008 election (behind Missouri); Barack Obama defeated John McCain by a mere 14,000 votes. The state has definitely changed demographically and will make it more likely for a Democratic win, but it will be a longshot. The state is nearing 10 million in population making it an electoral powerhouse with 15 electoral votes. Like we learned about New Hampshire in an earlier preview the state legislature leans strongly conservative, while statewide residents support a liberal governor; however, the democrats will most likely lose control of the governorship this year.

Population

Population: 9,535,483 (2010)
State rank: 10^th
Change since 2000 census: up 18.5%
Most populated cities
Charlotte 731,424
Raleigh 403,892
Greensboro 269,666
Winston-Salem 229,617
Household Income
Under $15K: 15.1%
$15K-$50K: 39.4%
$50K-$100K: 29.8%
$100K-$200K: 12.8%
Over $200K: 2.9%
Median Income: $45,131

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Demographic Voter Makeup: Michigan

*Editor’s note: This is part six in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Tomorrow North Carolina and Pennsylvania

Michigan served as the boyhood home of Mitt Romney where his father was a popular three term governor in the 1960s. The Great Lakes State joined the Union in January 1837 and voted primarily Republican until the Great Depression. Before becoming the Democratic-leaning state it is today the state voted Republican from 1972 through 1988. In 2008, Barack Obama defeated John McCain by a 57% to 41% margin. Michigan was the only state to lose population in the 2010 Census. It will lose one electoral vote, giving it 16 for the next three presidential elections. This is the fourth consecutive Census where Michigan has lost electoral votes. The government bailout of the auto industry which Mitt Romney strongly opposed should make it rather difficult for the one time native son to be singing Hail to the Victors on Election Night.

Population

Population: 9,883,640 (2010)
State rank: 8th
Change since 2000 census: Down 0.6%
Most populated cities
Detroit 713,777
Grand Rapids 188,040
Warren 134,056
Sterling Heights 129,699
Household Income
Under $15K: 14.1%
$15K-$50K: 38.2%
$50K-$100K: 30.8%
$100K-$200K: 14.2%
Over $200K: 2.7%
Median Income: $47,461

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Demographic Voter Makeup: Wisconsin

*Editor’s note: This is part five in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Later Today Michigan

 

Wisconsin gained statehood in May 1848 and has voted democratic in each election since 1988, although the 2000 and 2004 races were extremely close. In the 2008 election Barack Obama won easily by a 56% to 42% margin over John McCain. The addition of Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan to the ballot as a Vice Presidential candidate doesn’t necessarily swing Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes into Mitt Romney’s column, but it does bring Wisconsin back into play this cycle. Ultimately Romney’s name sits atop the ticket not that of the native son so Romney will have to make his own case in the end. The recent recall attempt of Gov. Scott Walker means that both parties have an energized ground game and Election Day might ultimately come down to which camp can turnout its voters.

Population

Population: 5,686,986 (2010)
State rank: 20^th
Change since 2000 census: up 6.0%
Most populated cities
Milwaukee 594,833
Madison 233, 209
Green Bay 104,057
Kenosha 99,218
Household Income
Under $15K: 11.5%
$15K-$50K: 37.2%
$50K-$100K: 34.5%
$100K-$200K: 14.3%
Over $200K: 2.6%
Median Income: $51,257

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Demographic Voter Makeup: New Hampshire

*Editor’s note: This is part four in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Tomorrow Wisconsin and Michigan

New Hampshire, the Granite State, is known for an independent spirit; the political history of the state looks somewhat similar. It has been a blue state since 2004, but if we don’t include 2000 New Hampshire has voted for Democrats since 1992. The biggest hurdle in the state for President is Obama is that not only does Romney have a residence in the state he spends a large share of his time at, but it was there that Mitt began to showcase that he was the true frontrunner after a long series of other candidates spiking in the polls and the extremely close race in Iowa. New Hampshire also has a very interesting state government where they have progressive state wide leaders, but their legislature is heavily conservative. With just a few days left the Granite State is a hard rock to crack on what way it will swing but its four electoral votes could be an important factor in the end.

Population

Population: 1,316,470 (2010)
State rank: 42^nd
Change since 2000 census: up 6.5%

Most populated cities

Manchester 109,565
Nashua 86,494
Concord 42,695
Derry 33,109
Dover 29,987
Household Income
Under $15K: 8.7%
$15K-$50K: 30.9%
$50K-$100K: 34.3%
$100K-$200K: 21.7%
Over $200K: 4.5%
Median Income: $62,629

Read more after the jump

Demographic Voter Makeup: Iowa

*Editor’s note: This is part three in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Later Today New Hampshire

For the Obama campaign there is a sentimental attachment to the Hawkeye State which launched his historical campaign into the spotlight with an improbable victory over Hilary Clinton in the race for the Democratic nomination four years ago. The importance of its caucuses, which kick off the nominating process every election cycle, give the citizens of Iowa oversized influence on who ultimately gets elected president. Iowa gained statehood in December 1846. It currently leans Democratic in presidential races only voting for one Republican in the last 6 elections; Barack Obama easily defeated John McCain by 54% to 44% in 2008. Prior to 1988, the state mostly voted Republican, choosing a candidate from that party all but five times from the Civil War through that year. The Hawkeye State’s 6 electoral votes will be key in the quest for 270 next Tuesday night.

Population

Population: 3,046,355 (2010)
State rank: 30^th
Change since 2000 census: up 4.1%
Most populated cities
Des Moines 203,433
Cedar Rapids 126,326
Davenport 99,685
Sioux City 82,684
Household Income
Under $15K: 12.4%
$15K-$50K: 39.1%
$50K-$100K: 33.6%
$100K-$200K: 12.6%
Over $200K: 2.3%
Median Income: $48,457

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Demographic Voter Makeup: Minnesota

*Editor’s note: This is part two in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Tomorrow Iowa and New Hampshire

A Republican hasn’t won Minnesota’s 10 electoral votes since Richard Nixon swept 49 states away from George McGovern in 1972. In what has been a solid Democratic state in the last nine presidential elections, recent polling has Mitt Romney siting just outside the margin of error and within striking distance with less than one week until Election Day.  The Obama campaign sent super surrogate and former President Bill Clinton to Minneapolis yesterday where he held two events trying to stop the bleeding. In 2008, Barack Obama defeated John McCain by 10%. Let’s take a closer look at the demographic make-up of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
 

Population
Population: 5,303,925 (2010)
State rank: 21^st
Change since 2000 census: up 7.8%
Most populated cities
Minneapolis 382,578
St. Paul 285,068
Rochester 106,769
Duluth 86,265
Household Income
Under $15K: 10.6%
$15K-$50K: 33.3%
$50K-$100K: 34.5%
$100K-$200K: 17.6%
Over $200K: 4.0%
Median Income: $56,704

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Demographic Voter Makeup: Florida

*Editor’s note: This is part one in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Later today Minnesota

After the circus that was the 2000 election, Florida will forever be known as the most famous battleground state in presidential politics. This year the outcome will depend on how heavily Hispanic voters turnout in favor of the President. The question becomes will Mitt Romney be able to chip into the Hispanic voter base and overcome Paul Ryan’s proposals to end Medicare as we know it in a state full of seniors, or will president Obama retain a state that is trending heavily towards conservatives? Romney’s strength will be in the northern most parts of Florida and in the panhandle while President Obama will do well in the south and around the Miami area. Aside from the breakdown of Hispanic voters whoever wins the I-4 corridor most likely wins the sunshine state and its 29 electoral votes.

Population

Population: 18,801,310
State rank: 4th
Change since 2000 census: up 17.6%
Most populated cities
Jacksonville 821,784
Miami 399,457
Tampa 335,709
St. Petersburg 244,769
Household Income
Under $15K: 13.1%
$15K-$50K: 39.7%
$50K-$100K: 30.2%
$100K-$200K: 13.5%
Over $200K: 3.5%
Median Income: $47,051

Read more after the jump