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Population Review

Charlottesville city, Virginia Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 38th-largest in Virginia

The population of Charlottesville city, Virginia is 45,863 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 38th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $69,829, the median home value is $448,400, and the median age is 32.9.

The population of Charlottesville city has grown 3.0% since 2010 (43,467 → 44,767), a +0.21% annualized rate.

Charlottesville city within Virginia · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

45,863

Population

+0.21%

Annual growth

4477

People / sq mi

$69,829

Median Income

$448,400

Median Home Value

Charlottesville city covers 10 sq mi of land at 4476.6 people per square mile.

About Charlottesville city, VA

Charlottesville city is a county in Virginia with a population of 45,863. It ranks #38 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 32.9, younger than the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

The median household income in Charlottesville city is $69,829, below the US median of $74,580. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $448,400, with monthly rent averaging $1,453. The homeownership rate of 43.7% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Charlottesville city reflects 60.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 19.3% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 16.9 minutes each way.

Charlottesville city Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Charlottesville city had a population of 43,467 in 2010 and 44,767 in 2024, a 3.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 47,456 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: 0.22%.

2017 · 47K20102024

44,767

Population (2024)

43,467

Population (2010)

47,456

Peak (2017)

0.22%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201043,467
201143,780
201244,610
201345,052
201445,562
201546,357
201646,976
201747,456
201847,421
201947,283
202046,434
202145,713
202245,223
202345,047
202444,767

Race & Ethnicity

White68.0%
Black or African American17.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

32.9

Median Age

51.6%

Female

48.4%

Male

13.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.4%
5–9
4.4%
10–14
4.3%
15–19
6.2%
20–24
16.3%
25–34
17.1%
35–44
13.4%
45–54
9.7%
55–59
5.0%
60–64
5.1%
65–74
8.4%
75–84
3.4%
85+
1.2%

Children (under 15): 14.1% · Seniors (65+): 13.0%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$69,829$-21,145 vs state
Mean household income$109,240
Per-capita income$48,395
Poverty rate9.4%+2.6% vs state
Unemployment rate3.0%
Employment-to-population61.5%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
40.1%
Finance & real estate
15.1%
Education & health care
11.5%
Information
4.8%
Construction
3.8%
Arts, entertainment & food
3.8%
Manufacturing
3.6%
Retail trade
3.2%

The largest employment sector in Charlottesville city is professional & business services, accounting for 40.1% of workers.

How residents commute

5.5%

Drive alone

12.8%

Carpool

53.2%

Public transit

19.3%

Work from home

16.9 min

Avg commute

Housing

$448,400+$87,700 vs state

Median home value

$1,453

Median rent

43.7%

Homeownership rate

21,559

Total housing units

91.4%

Occupied

8.6%

Vacant

56.3%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

94.2%

With health insurance

96.7%

With broadband internet

40.5%

Foreign-born

3.7%

Veterans (18+)

9.2%

With a disability

85.9%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

92.6%

High School+

60.6%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Virginia

Other counties in Virginia

Part of Virginia

Metro areas in Virginia

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlottesville city, Virginia has a population of 45,863 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 38th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 4477 people per square mile.

The population of Charlottesville city has grown 3.0% since 2010 (43,467 → 44,767), a +0.21% annualized rate.

The median household income in Charlottesville city, Virginia is $69,829, with mean (average) household income of $109,240 and per-capita income of $48,395. 9.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Charlottesville city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (68.0%), Black or African American (17.0%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Charlottesville city, Virginia is 32.9 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.

The median home value in Charlottesville city is $448,400 and median monthly rent is $1,453. 43.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,559 total housing units, 8.6% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Charlottesville city, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 40.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Charlottesville city, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.