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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Emporia city: 38.4% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 5,633 residents, Emporia city is a county in Virginia.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $49,375, below the US median of $78,538. About 9.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $131,100, with typical rent around $1,060.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. About 6.0% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 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.
Emporia city, VA Climate
Emporia city, VA has an average annual temperature of 14.7°C (58°F) and receives about 1115 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.7°C
Avg Temp
1115
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 92 mm |
| February | 5° / 41° | 89 mm |
| March | 9° / 49° | 95 mm |
| April | 14° / 58° | 79 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 102 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 93 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 116 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 116 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 90 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 81 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 78 mm |
| December | 5° / 42° | 84 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 Emporia city, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Emporia city, VA are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Emporia city
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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.