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
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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).
Where to stay in Norfolk
Visiting or relocating to Norfolk, VA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.