Norfolk, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Norfolk, Virginia is 235,037 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 97th-largest city in the United States and the 4th-largest in Virginia. The median household income is $64,017, the median home value is $271,900, and the median age is 32.4.
The population has declined 4.9% since 2010 (242,999 → 231,105).
235,037
Population
4412
People / sq mi
$64,017
Median Income
$271,900
Median Home Value
Get Norfolk's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Norfolk covers 53.3 sq mi of land at 4412 people per square mile.
About Norfolk, VA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Norfolk: 45.7% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 235,037 residents, Norfolk is a city in Virginia. It is the #4-largest of all cities in Virginia nationally.
The typical household earns $64,017, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $271,900, with typical rent around $1,246.
Roughly 32.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 8.6% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Norfolk city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Norfolk city had a population of 242,999 in 2010 and 231,105 in 2024, a -4.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 246,576 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: -0.36%.
231,105
Population (2024)
242,999
Population (2010)
246,576
Peak (2014)
-0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 242,999 |
| 2011 | 243,655 |
| 2012 | 246,149 |
| 2013 | 245,468 |
| 2014 | 246,576 |
| 2015 | 246,457 |
| 2016 | 245,680 |
| 2017 | 244,543 |
| 2018 | 243,585 |
| 2019 | 242,742 |
| 2020 | 237,813 |
| 2021 | 234,920 |
| 2022 | 232,766 |
| 2023 | 231,378 |
| 2024 | 231,105 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 44.0% |
| Black or African American | 39.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$64,017
Median Household Income
$37,433
Per Capita Income
12.6%
Poverty Rate
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$271,900
Median Home Value
$1,246
Median Rent
45.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.6%
High School+
32.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.8%
Drive Alone
71.7%
Public Transit
8.6%
Work From Home
22.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
41.5%
Foreign Born
88.4%
Non-English at Home
14.3%
Veterans
14.8%
With Disability
90.9%
Health Insurance
94.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 23.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 13.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.0% |
| Manufacturing | 7.6% |
| Public Administration | 7.3% |
| Information | 6.0% |
| Construction | 5.9% |
| Retail Trade | 5.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
Largest cities in Virginia
Largest counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
City rankings
Common questions about Norfolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Norfolk, Virginia has a population of 235,037 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 97th-largest city in the United States and the 4th-largest in Virginia.
The median household income in Norfolk, Virginia is $64,017, with 12.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Norfolk, Virginia is $271,900, with median monthly rent at $1,246 and a homeownership rate of 45.7%.
The median age in Norfolk, Virginia is 32.4 years. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The population has declined 4.9% since 2010 (242,999 → 231,105).
Norfolk city, VA Climate
Norfolk city, VA has an average annual temperature of 15.7°C (60°F) and receives about 1164 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.7°C
Avg Temp
1164
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 99 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 88 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 103 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 81 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 97 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 97 mm |
| July | 26° / 80° | 128 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 122 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 105 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 85 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 76 mm |
| December | 7° / 45° | 83 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 Norfolk city, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Norfolk city, VA are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Norfolk
Visiting or relocating to Norfolk, VA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Norfolk
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Norfolk?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Norfolk, VA by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Virginia
Population 457,066
Population 251,153
Population 235,463
Population 227,595
Population 184,774
Full rankings of Virginia cities by population
Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.