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Population Review

Charlottesville, Virginia Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Charlottesville, Virginia is 45,863 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest city in Virginia. The median household income is $69,829, the median home value is $448,400, and the median age is 32.9.

The population has grown 3.0% since 2010 (43,461 → 44,767).

45,863

Population

4477

People / sq mi

$69,829

Median Income

$448,400

Median Home Value

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Charlottesville covers 10.2 sq mi of land at 4477 people per square mile.

About Charlottesville, VA

Homeownership is the standout figure in Charlottesville: 43.7% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 45,863 residents, Charlottesville is a city in Virginia. It ranks #20 among cities in Virginia by population.

Median household income is $69,829, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.4%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $448,400, with typical rent around $1,453.

College attainment is above the local norm at 60.6%, above the national 35.0%. A solid 19.3% of workers are based at home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.

Charlottesville city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Charlottesville city had a population of 43,461 in 2010 and 44,767 in 2024, a 3.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 47,506 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: 0.22%.

2018 · 48K20102024
Charlottesville city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

44,767

Population (2024)

43,461

Population (2010)

47,506

Peak (2018)

0.22%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201043,461
201143,761
201244,580
201345,012
201445,518
201546,301
201646,943
201747,463
201847,506
201947,266
202046,434
202145,713
202245,223
202345,047
202444,767

Race & Ethnicity

White68.0%
Black or African American17.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$69,829

Median Household Income

$48,395

Per Capita Income

9.4%

Poverty Rate

3.0%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$448,400

Median Home Value

$1,453

Median Rent

43.7%

Owner-Occupied

Education

92.6%

High School+

60.6%

Bachelor's+

Commute

5.5%

Drive Alone

53.2%

Public Transit

19.3%

Work From Home

16.9 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

40.5%

Foreign Born

85.9%

Non-English at Home

3.7%

Veterans

9.2%

With Disability

94.2%

Health Insurance

96.7%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management40.1%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate15.1%
Education, Health Care & Social Services11.5%
Information4.8%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services3.8%
Construction3.8%
Manufacturing3.6%
Retail Trade3.2%
Transportation & Warehousing2.6%
Public Administration2.6%
Agriculture & Mining0.4%

Largest cities in Virginia

Largest counties in Virginia

Part of Virginia

Metro areas in Virginia

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlottesville, Virginia has a population of 45,863 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest city in Virginia.

The median household income in Charlottesville, Virginia is $69,829, with 9.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Charlottesville, Virginia is $448,400, with median monthly rent at $1,453 and a homeownership rate of 43.7%.

The median age in Charlottesville, Virginia is 32.9 years. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

The population has grown 3.0% since 2010 (43,461 → 44,767).


Charlottesville city, VA Climate

Charlottesville city, VA has an average annual temperature of 13.6°C (56°F) and receives about 1134 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

13.6°C

Avg Temp

1134

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-10°0°10°20°30°118mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Charlottesville city, VA — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January2° / 35°82 mm
February3° / 38°76 mm
March8° / 46°94 mm
April13° / 56°80 mm
May18° / 65°110 mm
June23° / 73°99 mm
July25° / 77°118 mm
August24° / 75°99 mm
September20° / 69°105 mm
October14° / 57°104 mm
November9° / 47°89 mm
December4° / 39°78 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit Charlottesville city, VA

The most comfortable months to visit Charlottesville city, VA are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.

SeptemberJuneAugust

Where to stay near Charlottesville

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.