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 stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 4,412 people per square mile. With 235,037 residents, Norfolk city is a county in Virginia. It is the #9-largest of all counties in Virginia nationally.
Median household income is $64,017, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $271,900, with typical rent around $1,246.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 32.7% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.6%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Norfolk city: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
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.
Norfolk city, VA Climate
Norfolk city, VA has an average annual temperature of 15.7°C (60°F) and receives about 1164 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.7°C
Avg Temp
1164
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 99 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 88 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 103 mm |
| April | 15° / 58° | 81 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 97 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 97 mm |
| July | 26° / 80° | 128 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 122 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 105 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 85 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 76 mm |
| December | 7° / 45° | 83 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 Norfolk city, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Norfolk city, VA are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Norfolk city
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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.