Emporia city, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 129th-largest in Virginia
The population of Emporia city, Virginia is 5,633 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 129th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $49,375, the median home value is $131,100, and the median age is 39.5.
The population of Emporia city has declined 8.8% since 2010 (5,920 → 5,402), a -0.65% annualized rate.
5,633
Population
-0.65%
Annual growth
850
People / sq mi
$49,375
Median Income
$131,100
Median Home Value
Emporia city covers 7 sq mi of land at 849.8 people per square mile.
About Emporia city, VA
Emporia city is a county in Virginia with a population of 5,633. It ranks #129 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 39.5, in line with the national median. The population is 46.5% male and 53.5% female.
The median household income in Emporia city is $49,375, below the US median of $74,580. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $131,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,060. The homeownership rate of 38.4% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Emporia city reflects 15.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.8 minutes each way.
Emporia city Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Emporia city had a population of 5,920 in 2010 and 5,402 in 2024, a -8.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 5,920 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.64%.
5,402
Population (2024)
5,920
Population (2010)
5,920
Peak (2010)
-0.64%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,920 |
| 2011 | 5,841 |
| 2012 | 5,816 |
| 2013 | 5,697 |
| 2014 | 5,606 |
| 2015 | 5,569 |
| 2016 | 5,487 |
| 2017 | 5,489 |
| 2018 | 5,396 |
| 2019 | 5,409 |
| 2020 | 5,694 |
| 2021 | 5,628 |
| 2022 | 5,524 |
| 2023 | 5,479 |
| 2024 | 5,402 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 20.6% |
| Black or African American | 64.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.5
Median Age
53.5%
Female
46.5%
Male
18.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.6% · Seniors (65+): 18.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,375$-41,599 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,137 |
| Per-capita income | $25,570 |
| Poverty rate | 9.0%+2.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Emporia city is manufacturing, accounting for 20.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
79.3%
Public transit
6.0%
Work from home
23.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$131,100$-229,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,060
Median rent
38.4%
Homeownership rate
2,824
Total housing units
78.6%
Occupied
21.4%
Vacant
61.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
96.1%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
21.9%
Foreign-born
8.7%
Veterans (18+)
27.3%
With a disability
90.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
75.7%
High School+
15.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Emporia city, Virginia has a population of 5,633 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 129th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 850 people per square mile.
The population of Emporia city has declined 8.8% since 2010 (5,920 → 5,402), a -0.65% annualized rate.
The median household income in Emporia city, Virginia is $49,375, with mean (average) household income of $66,137 and per-capita income of $25,570. 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Emporia city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (64.0%), White (20.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Emporia city, Virginia is 39.5 years. Residents are 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
The median home value in Emporia city is $131,100 and median monthly rent is $1,060. 38.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,824 total housing units, 21.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Emporia city, Virginia is manufacturing, employing 20.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.8%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Emporia city, 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.