Mathews County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 118th-largest in Virginia
The population of Mathews County, Virginia is 8,517 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 118th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $75,487, the median home value is $348,800, and the median age is 53.8.
The population of Mathews County has declined 4.1% since 2010 (8,974 → 8,602), a -0.30% annualized rate.
8,517
Population
-0.30%
Annual growth
99
People / sq mi
$75,487
Median Income
$348,800
Median Home Value
Mathews County covers 86 sq mi of land at 99.1 people per square mile.
About Mathews County, VA
Mathews County is a county in Virginia with a population of 8,517. It ranks #118 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 53.8, older than the national median. The population is 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
The median household income in Mathews County is $75,487, near the US median of $74,580. 3.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $348,800, with monthly rent averaging $1,108. The homeownership rate of 85.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Mathews County reflects 30.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 15.2% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 34.2 minutes each way.
Mathews County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mathews County had a population of 8,974 in 2010 and 8,602 in 2024, a -4.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,974 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.30%.
8,602
Population (2024)
8,974
Population (2010)
8,974
Peak (2010)
-0.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,974 |
| 2011 | 8,944 |
| 2012 | 8,911 |
| 2013 | 8,899 |
| 2014 | 8,813 |
| 2015 | 8,833 |
| 2016 | 8,781 |
| 2017 | 8,704 |
| 2018 | 8,766 |
| 2019 | 8,782 |
| 2020 | 8,519 |
| 2021 | 8,545 |
| 2022 | 8,467 |
| 2023 | 8,568 |
| 2024 | 8,602 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.7% |
| Black or African American | 8.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
53.8
Median Age
50.6%
Female
49.4%
Male
32.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 11.6% · Seniors (65+): 32.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $75,487$-15,487 vs state |
| Mean household income | $100,156 |
| Per-capita income | $45,767 |
| Poverty rate | 3.8%-3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mathews County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
2.6%
Carpool
74.9%
Public transit
15.2%
Work from home
34.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$348,800$-11,900 vs state
Median home value
$1,108
Median rent
85.6%
Homeownership rate
5,486
Total housing units
68.7%
Occupied
31.3%
Vacant
14.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.6%
With health insurance
91.4%
With broadband internet
32.1%
Foreign-born
10.7%
Veterans (18+)
20.3%
With a disability
97.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.3%
High School+
30.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mathews County, Virginia has a population of 8,517 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 118th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 99 people per square mile.
The population of Mathews County has declined 4.1% since 2010 (8,974 → 8,602), a -0.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mathews County, Virginia is $75,487, with mean (average) household income of $100,156 and per-capita income of $45,767. 3.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mathews County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (86.7%), Black or African American (8.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mathews County, Virginia is 53.8 years. Residents are 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
The median home value in Mathews County is $348,800 and median monthly rent is $1,108. 85.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,486 total housing units, 31.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mathews County, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Mathews County, 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.