Norfolk city, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Virginia
The population of Norfolk city, Virginia is 235,037 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $64,017, the median home value is $271,900, and the median age is 32.4.
The population of Norfolk city has declined 4.9% since 2010 (243,019 → 231,105), a -0.36% annualized rate.
235,037
Population
-0.36%
Annual growth
4412
People / sq mi
$64,017
Median Income
$271,900
Median Home Value
Norfolk city covers 53 sq mi of land at 4411.8 people per square mile.
About Norfolk city, VA
Norfolk city is a county in Virginia with a population of 235,037. It ranks #9 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 32.4, younger than the national median. The population is 50.7% male and 49.3% female.
The median household income in Norfolk city is $64,017, below the US median of $74,580. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $271,900, with monthly rent averaging $1,246. The homeownership rate of 45.7% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Norfolk city reflects 32.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near 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 22.9 minutes each way.
Norfolk city Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Norfolk city had a population of 243,019 in 2010 and 231,105 in 2024, a -4.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 246,756 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: -0.36%.
231,105
Population (2024)
243,019
Population (2010)
246,756
Peak (2014)
-0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 243,019 |
| 2011 | 243,701 |
| 2012 | 246,247 |
| 2013 | 245,598 |
| 2014 | 246,756 |
| 2015 | 246,667 |
| 2016 | 246,042 |
| 2017 | 244,908 |
| 2018 | 244,168 |
| 2019 | 243,581 |
| 2020 | 237,813 |
| 2021 | 234,920 |
| 2022 | 232,766 |
| 2023 | 231,378 |
| 2024 | 231,105 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 44.0% |
| Black or African American | 39.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.4
Median Age
49.3%
Female
50.7%
Male
12.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.5% · Seniors (65+): 12.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,017$-26,957 vs state |
| Mean household income | $88,032 |
| Per-capita income | $37,433 |
| Poverty rate | 12.6%+5.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Norfolk city is professional & business services, accounting for 23.9% of workers.
How residents commute
2.8%
Drive alone
5.2%
Carpool
71.7%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
22.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$271,900$-88,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,246
Median rent
45.7%
Homeownership rate
102,542
Total housing units
92.1%
Occupied
7.9%
Vacant
54.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.9%
With health insurance
94.5%
With broadband internet
41.5%
Foreign-born
14.3%
Veterans (18+)
14.8%
With a disability
88.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.6%
High School+
32.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Common questions about Norfolk city, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Norfolk city, Virginia has a population of 235,037 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 4412 people per square mile.
The population of Norfolk city has declined 4.9% since 2010 (243,019 → 231,105), a -0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Norfolk city, Virginia is $64,017, with mean (average) household income of $88,032 and per-capita income of $37,433. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Norfolk city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (44.0%), Black or African American (39.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Norfolk city, Virginia is 32.4 years. Residents are 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
The median home value in Norfolk city is $271,900 and median monthly rent is $1,246. 45.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 102,542 total housing units, 7.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Norfolk city, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Norfolk city, 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.