Amherst County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in Virginia
The population of Amherst County, Virginia is 31,385 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $67,298, the median home value is $197,200, and the median age is 43.3.
The population of Amherst County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (32,389 → 31,650), a -0.16% annualized rate.
31,385
Population
-0.16%
Annual growth
66
People / sq mi
$67,298
Median Income
$197,200
Median Home Value
Amherst County covers 474 sq mi of land at 66.2 people per square mile.
About Amherst County, VA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Amherst County: 78.4% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 31,385 residents, Amherst County is a county in Virginia.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $67,298 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.3%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $197,200, with typical rent around $842.
Roughly 23.0% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 9.2% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Amherst County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Amherst County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Amherst County had a population of 32,389 in 2010 and 31,650 in 2024, a -2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 32,640 in 2012. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
31,650
Population (2024)
32,389
Population (2010)
32,640
Peak (2012)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 32,389 |
| 2011 | 32,160 |
| 2012 | 32,640 |
| 2013 | 32,331 |
| 2014 | 32,174 |
| 2015 | 31,855 |
| 2016 | 31,903 |
| 2017 | 31,893 |
| 2018 | 31,771 |
| 2019 | 31,678 |
| 2020 | 31,313 |
| 2021 | 31,391 |
| 2022 | 31,512 |
| 2023 | 31,559 |
| 2024 | 31,650 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 74.5% |
| Black or African American | 17.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
43.3
Median Age
52.4%
Female
47.6%
Male
21.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.5% · Seniors (65+): 21.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,298$-23,676 vs state |
| Mean household income | $88,404 |
| Per-capita income | $36,275 |
| Poverty rate | 7.3%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 57.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Amherst County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
79.1%
Public transit
9.2%
Work from home
26.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$197,200$-163,500 vs state
Median home value
$842
Median rent
78.4%
Homeownership rate
14,301
Total housing units
88.8%
Occupied
11.2%
Vacant
21.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.7%
With health insurance
89.5%
With broadband internet
23.3%
Foreign-born
7.3%
Veterans (18+)
16.0%
With a disability
97.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.6%
High School+
23.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Amherst County, Virginia has a population of 31,385 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 66 people per square mile.
The population of Amherst County has declined 2.3% since 2010 (32,389 → 31,650), a -0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Amherst County, Virginia is $67,298, with mean (average) household income of $88,404 and per-capita income of $36,275. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Amherst County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (74.5%), Black or African American (17.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Amherst County, Virginia is 43.3 years. Residents are 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
The median home value in Amherst County is $197,200 and median monthly rent is $842. 78.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,301 total housing units, 11.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Amherst County, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Amherst County, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
Amherst County, VA Climate
Amherst County, VA has an average annual temperature of 13°C (55°F) and receives about 1096 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13°C
Avg Temp
1096
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 35° | 79 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 78 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 95 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 84 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 108 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 90 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 110 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 93 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 93 mm |
| October | 14° / 56° | 100 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 86 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 80 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 Amherst County, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Amherst County, VA are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Amherst County
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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.