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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

Age is the most distinctive thing about Harrisonburg city: a median age of 25.4, younger than the national median. With 51,492 residents, Harrisonburg city is a county in Virginia. It ranks #36 among counties in Virginia by population.

Household earnings are middling, with a median of $59,752 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.5%, close to the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $278,200, with typical rent around $1,120.

About 36.7% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. Around 8.6% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 17 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
Harrisonburg city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

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.