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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Mathews County: 85.6% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 8,517 residents, Mathews County is a county in Virginia.
Median household income is $75,487, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 3.8% — below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $348,800, with typical rent around $1,108.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 30.1% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 15.2% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Mathews County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
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.
Mathews County, VA Climate
Mathews County, VA has an average annual temperature of 14.5°C (58°F) and receives about 1114 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.5°C
Avg Temp
1114
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 38° | 92 mm |
| February | 5° / 40° | 87 mm |
| March | 9° / 47° | 106 mm |
| April | 14° / 56° | 75 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 98 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 89 mm |
| July | 25° / 78° | 114 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 110 mm |
| September | 21° / 71° | 99 mm |
| October | 15° / 60° | 81 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 78 mm |
| December | 6° / 43° | 85 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 Mathews County, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Mathews County, VA are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Mathews County
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Top-rated places to stay near Mathews County
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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.