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
Amherst County is a county in Virginia with a population of 31,385. It ranks #56 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 43.3, older than the national median. The population is 47.6% male and 52.4% female.
The median household income in Amherst County is $67,298, below the US median of $74,580. 7.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $197,200, with monthly rent averaging $842. The homeownership rate of 78.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Amherst County reflects 23.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.4 minutes each way.
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.
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Full rankings of Virginia counties
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.