Skip to main content
Population Review

Harrisonburg city, Virginia Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 36th-largest in Virginia

The population of Harrisonburg city, Virginia is 51,492 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 36th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $59,752, the median home value is $278,200, and the median age is 25.4.

The population of Harrisonburg city has grown 4.4% since 2010 (48,999 → 51,164), a +0.31% annualized rate.

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

51,492

Population

+0.31%

Annual growth

2970

People / sq mi

$59,752

Median Income

$278,200

Median Home Value

Harrisonburg city covers 17 sq mi of land at 2970.2 people per square mile.

About Harrisonburg city, VA

Harrisonburg city is a county in Virginia with a population of 51,492. It ranks #36 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 25.4, younger than the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

The median household income in Harrisonburg city is $59,752, below the US median of $74,580. 12.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $278,200, with monthly rent averaging $1,120. The homeownership rate of 39.9% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Harrisonburg city reflects 36.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 17.1 minutes each way.

Harrisonburg city Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Harrisonburg city had a population of 48,999 in 2010 and 51,164 in 2024, a 4.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 53,807 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: 0.32%.

2017 · 54K20102024

51,164

Population (2024)

48,999

Population (2010)

53,807

Peak (2017)

0.32%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201048,999
201149,950
201251,336
201351,572
201452,589
201552,739
201653,685
201753,807
201853,715
201953,379
202051,705
202151,504
202251,207
202351,378
202451,164

Race & Ethnicity

White66.5%
Black or African American7.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.6%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

25.4

Median Age

51.6%

Female

48.4%

Male

10.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.1%
5–9
5.2%
10–14
4.2%
15–19
16.4%
20–24
18.4%
25–34
12.7%
35–44
10.9%
45–54
9.5%
55–59
4.4%
60–64
3.3%
65–74
6.0%
75–84
2.7%
85+
1.3%

Children (under 15): 14.5% · Seniors (65+): 10.0%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$59,752$-31,222 vs state
Mean household income$80,210
Per-capita income$27,957
Poverty rate12.5%+5.7% vs state
Unemployment rate4.3%
Employment-to-population56.9%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
24.4%
Education & health care
15.5%
Manufacturing
13.7%
Finance & real estate
11.2%
Construction
6.3%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.2%
Retail trade
3.4%
Information
2.5%

The largest employment sector in Harrisonburg city is professional & business services, accounting for 24.4% of workers.

How residents commute

1.3%

Drive alone

5.7%

Carpool

68.6%

Public transit

8.6%

Work from home

17.1 min

Avg commute

Housing

$278,200$-82,500 vs state

Median home value

$1,120

Median rent

39.9%

Homeownership rate

18,654

Total housing units

92.9%

Occupied

7.1%

Vacant

60.1%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

89.8%

With health insurance

94.8%

With broadband internet

32.2%

Foreign-born

2.7%

Veterans (18+)

10.3%

With a disability

73.0%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

83.3%

High School+

36.7%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Virginia

Other counties in Virginia

Part of Virginia

Metro areas in Virginia

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Harrisonburg city, Virginia has a population of 51,492 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 36th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 2970 people per square mile.

The population of Harrisonburg city has grown 4.4% since 2010 (48,999 → 51,164), a +0.31% annualized rate.

The median household income in Harrisonburg city, Virginia is $59,752, with mean (average) household income of $80,210 and per-capita income of $27,957. 12.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Harrisonburg city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (66.5%), Black or African American (7.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Harrisonburg city, Virginia is 25.4 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.

The median home value in Harrisonburg city is $278,200 and median monthly rent is $1,120. 39.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,654 total housing units, 7.1% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Harrisonburg city, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.3%.

Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Harrisonburg 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.