Examining the Dynamic Development of Blockchain and Crypto in Virginia

29 May 2023

With a burgeoning crypto ATM network, an increased number of users, and laws to codify blockchain technology, Virginia stands out as a leader in cryptocurrency and blockchain adoption.

General Informations

Virginia is one of the states of the United States, located in the southeastern region of the country. As of 2019, the population of the state was estimated to be 8.5 million people. Virginia is the twelfth most populous state in America, with Richmond as the capital, and a plurality of Virginia's inhabitants are concentrated around the cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Alexandria. The three largest cities in the state by population are Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, which combined account for roughly 28 percent of Virginia's total population. The three most economically developed cities in Virginia are Arlington, Alexandria, and Hampton, as these cities are home to a variety of industries, including aerospace, defense, and information technology.

The state of Virginia's economy is considered one of the most diverse and healthy in the country. In 2018, it was ranked #1 in the nation for economic development. Gross state product output for 2019 was estimated to total $513.4 billion, while specific per-person product output for 2019 was estimated to total $61,009.

Population, national and cultural structure

According to the 2019 census, Virginia is composed of a variety of ethnicities and nationalities. The largest ancestries in Virginia are American, African American, German, and English. The largest non-white ethnicity present in Virginia is African American, which comprises 21.4 percent of the state population. In terms of religious affiliation, the majority of Virginia residents identify as Christian (60%), while 22% have no religious affiliation.

In terms of education level, 94.6% of Virginia adults ages 25 and over have completed high school. 35.8% have achieved a Bachelor's degree or higher-level education. The state of Virginia has several public and private universities, including the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and George Mason University.

State Economy and High Tech

The economy in Virginia is diverse and balanced. Sectors that have seen strong growth in recent years include aerospace and defense, IT and healthcare, and financial services. Virginia has been named in the top ten “Best States for Business” by Forbes and CNBC. The state’s corporate income tax rate is 6%, while the personal income tax rate ranges from 5.75% to 5.3%.

The high tech sector in Virginia has seen significant growth in recent years. The state’s “Data Center Alley” is home to the highest concentration of data centers in the world. Virginia is also a leader in defense research and development, particularly in the areas of aerospace and maritime technology.

The financial services industry in Virginia is also booming. The state is home to major financial institutions such as Capital One, Navy Federal Credit Union, and Freddie Mac. Virginia also has over 100 FinTech startups, which provide a variety of services such as mobile payments, online banking, and financial analytics.

Blockchain and cryptocurrency

The state of Virginia has seen a great deal of interest in blockchain and cryptocurrency in recent years. A number of startups, such as Consensys and Blockchain Technologies LLC, have established operations in the state and are actively working to expand blockchain and crypto adoption. Virginia governor Ralph Northam in 2021 signed Bill HB260, which codified the legal status of blockchain technology and paved the way for cryptocurrency adoption among individuals and businesses in the state.

In 2019, the Virginia Senate also passed a bill, which would have legalized cryptocurrency payments for state taxes, but it was struck down by Republican governor Ralph Northam in 2020. Despite this setback, the Virginia government has been looking to further explore the opportunities of blockchain and crypto, particularly with regards to developing an inter-state payment system.

Information about the Crypto ATM network in Virginia

The crypto ATM network in the state of Virginia is seeing significant growth. When the first crypto ATM was installed in Virginia in 2014, it was only able to process Bitcoin transactions. Today, two of the major crypto ATMs in Virginia are Lamassu and Genesis Coin, which can process transactions with a variety of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Litecoin, and Monero. These ATMs have become increasingly popular in the state due to their convenience and low fees.

The cities with the most crypto ATMs in Virginia are Alexandria, Arlington, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk. These cities have the highest population and are thus the most likely to attract crypto ATM operators. The number of crypto ATMs in Virginia as of 2020 was reported to be around 60.

The cities with the most growth in the number of crypto ATMs in Virginia over the past five years have been Alexandria, Arlington, Richmond, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. This growth has been driven by increasing demand from individuals and businesses alike for a convenient and secure way to purchase, store, and transact in cryptocurrencies.

In 2021, the number of crypto ATMs in Virginia has grown to over 80, with the most growth seen in the cities of Richmond, Arlington, Alexandria, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. This growth has been bolstered by a number of new providers entering the market, including CryptoGoat, CoinFlip, and BTCnATM.

The types of coins most commonly processed at crypto ATMs in Virginia include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Litecoin, Monero, and Dogecoin. Other coins are also available depending on the device and the provider.

The state of Virginia has seen a steady growth in the use of blockchain and cryptocurrency in recent years. This growth has been driven by a variety of factors, including legislation to codify the legal status of blockchain technology, a growing interest in cryptocurrency amongst individuals and businesses, and the increasing accessibility of crypto ATMs. The increasing number of crypto ATMs in Virginia shows that the demand for cryptocurrency is only growing and that the state is well positioned to capitalize on this trend and continue fostering a prosperous and innovative ecosystem.

Conclusion

The implications of the state of Virginia’s steady growth in the use of blockchain and cryptocurrency are to be seen. With continued legislation to codify the legal status of blockchain technology, a growing interest in cryptocurrency amongst individuals and businesses, and the increasing accessibility of crypto ATMs, Virginia is well positioned to continue nurturing a healthy and innovative ecosystem. The increasing number of crypto ATMs in the state is a testament to this growing demand, and it provides general indication that the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency is strong.

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Authors and Editors

Scott Smith
Company Founder
Scott Smith is an investor, personal finance writer. Scott has worked in the finance and investing industry for for over ten years.