Should a newly published sea level rise scenario come to pass, hundreds of American landmarks, neighborhoods, towns and cities would be submerged this century, at least in the absence of engineering massive, costly and unprecedented defenses and relocating major infrastructure. Ocean waters would cover land currently home to more than 12 million Americans and $2 trillion in property. (Climate Central (2017). Extreme Sea Level Rise and the Stakes for America. A Climate Central research report. )

Virginia Beach, ranked 4th (222,000)

Norfolk, ranked 5th (201,000, and 246,139 as of 2013 )

) Hampton, ranked 17th (91,000)

Chesapeake, ranked 19th (88,000)

Portsmouth, ranked 26th (66,000)

Tourism is a significant source of economic activity in the Northern Neck region. Visitors are attracted to the natural resources, and history and heritage of the peninsula. Natural attractions include national parks, state parks, and agri-tourism, while a number of historic sites related to the nation's founders are open to the public. Colonial Beach, Westmoreland State Park, Rappahannock River National Wildlife Refuge, and many other locations provide water access for fishing, boating, and yachting. The region has twenty-seven marinas.



There are nine wineries in the region that may be found on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail.



Other popular Northern Neck attractions include Stratford Hall, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee and an example of a Virginia plantation, George Washington Birthplace National Monument, the Westmoreland Berry Farm, and the Westmoreland State Park with Horsehead Cliffs.