Caroline County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 55th-largest in Virginia
The population of Caroline County, Virginia is 31,541 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 55th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $86,267, the median home value is $283,100, and the median age is 39.4.
The population of Caroline County has grown 16.9% since 2010 (28,631 → 33,477), a +1.12% annualized rate.
31,541
Population
+1.12%
Annual growth
60
People / sq mi
$86,267
Median Income
$283,100
Median Home Value
Caroline County covers 527 sq mi of land at 59.8 people per square mile.
About Caroline County, VA
Caroline County is a county in Virginia with a population of 31,541. It ranks #55 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 39.4, in line with the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The median household income in Caroline County is $86,267, above the US median of $74,580. 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $283,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,201. The homeownership rate of 81.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Caroline County reflects 23.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 35.6 minutes each way.
Caroline County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Caroline County had a population of 28,631 in 2010 and 33,477 in 2024, a 16.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 33,477 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.13%.
33,477
Population (2024)
28,631
Population (2010)
33,477
Peak (2024)
1.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,631 |
| 2011 | 28,672 |
| 2012 | 28,950 |
| 2013 | 29,253 |
| 2014 | 29,747 |
| 2015 | 29,907 |
| 2016 | 30,091 |
| 2017 | 30,441 |
| 2018 | 30,766 |
| 2019 | 30,745 |
| 2020 | 30,929 |
| 2021 | 31,418 |
| 2022 | 31,959 |
| 2023 | 32,705 |
| 2024 | 33,477 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 62.4% |
| Black or African American | 23.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.4
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
16.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.3% · Seniors (65+): 16.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $86,267$-4,707 vs state |
| Mean household income | $101,829 |
| Per-capita income | $38,847 |
| Poverty rate | 7.2%+0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Caroline County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
3.8%
Carpool
74.1%
Public transit
10.1%
Work from home
35.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$283,100$-77,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,201
Median rent
81.7%
Homeownership rate
12,693
Total housing units
92.0%
Occupied
8.0%
Vacant
18.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
94.6%
With broadband internet
30.0%
Foreign-born
12.9%
Veterans (18+)
13.3%
With a disability
93.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.3%
High School+
23.2%
Bachelor's+
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Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Caroline County, Virginia has a population of 31,541 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 55th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 60 people per square mile.
The population of Caroline County has grown 16.9% since 2010 (28,631 → 33,477), a +1.12% annualized rate.
The median household income in Caroline County, Virginia is $86,267, with mean (average) household income of $101,829 and per-capita income of $38,847. 7.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Caroline County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (62.4%), Black or African American (23.9%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Caroline County, Virginia is 39.4 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Caroline County is $283,100 and median monthly rent is $1,201. 81.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,693 total housing units, 8.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Caroline County, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Caroline County, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
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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.