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.
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 defined demographically by education — 60.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. Charlottesville city is a county in Virginia with a population of 45,863. It ranks #38 among counties in Virginia by population.
Median household income is $69,829, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 9.4%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $448,400, with typical rent around $1,453.
Charlottesville city is among the best-educated US counties: 60.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 19.3% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.
The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Charlottesville city usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.
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%.
44,767
Population (2024)
43,467
Population (2010)
47,456
Peak (2017)
0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 43,467 |
| 2011 | 43,780 |
| 2012 | 44,610 |
| 2013 | 45,052 |
| 2014 | 45,562 |
| 2015 | 46,357 |
| 2016 | 46,976 |
| 2017 | 47,456 |
| 2018 | 47,421 |
| 2019 | 47,283 |
| 2020 | 46,434 |
| 2021 | 45,713 |
| 2022 | 45,223 |
| 2023 | 45,047 |
| 2024 | 44,767 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.0% |
| Black or African American | 17.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.9
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
13.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
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 rate | 9.4%+2.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
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.
Charlottesville city, VA Climate
Charlottesville city, VA has an average annual temperature of 13.6°C (56°F) and receives about 1134 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.6°C
Avg Temp
1134
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 35° | 82 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 76 mm |
| March | 8° / 46° | 94 mm |
| April | 13° / 56° | 80 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 110 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 99 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 118 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 99 mm |
| September | 20° / 69° | 105 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 104 mm |
| November | 9° / 47° | 89 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 78 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 Charlottesville city, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Charlottesville city, VA are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Charlottesville city
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More from Virginia
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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.