Petersburg city, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 53rd-largest in Virginia
The population of Petersburg city, Virginia is 33,365 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 53rd-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $50,741, the median home value is $157,900, and the median age is 35.8.
The population of Petersburg city has grown 4.8% since 2010 (32,502 → 34,058), a +0.33% annualized rate.
33,365
Population
+0.33%
Annual growth
1469
People / sq mi
$50,741
Median Income
$157,900
Median Home Value
Petersburg city covers 23 sq mi of land at 1468.5 people per square mile.
About Petersburg city, VA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Petersburg city: 38.3% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 33,365 residents, Petersburg city is a county in Virginia.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $50,741, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.8%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $157,900, with typical rent around $1,132.
25.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 7.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Petersburg city Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Petersburg city had a population of 32,502 in 2010 and 34,058 in 2024, a 4.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,058 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.37%.
34,058
Population (2024)
32,502
Population (2010)
34,058
Peak (2024)
0.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 32,502 |
| 2011 | 32,093 |
| 2012 | 31,995 |
| 2013 | 32,311 |
| 2014 | 32,242 |
| 2015 | 31,895 |
| 2016 | 31,379 |
| 2017 | 30,966 |
| 2018 | 30,573 |
| 2019 | 30,593 |
| 2020 | 33,398 |
| 2021 | 33,422 |
| 2022 | 33,481 |
| 2023 | 33,328 |
| 2024 | 34,058 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 15.9% |
| Black or African American | 77.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.8
Median Age
54.9%
Female
45.1%
Male
17.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 17.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,741$-40,233 vs state |
| Mean household income | $62,609 |
| Per-capita income | $29,590 |
| Poverty rate | 18.8%+12.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Petersburg city is professional & business services, accounting for 24.0% of workers.
How residents commute
3.6%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
74.4%
Public transit
7.5%
Work from home
26.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$157,900$-202,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,132
Median rent
38.3%
Homeownership rate
18,026
Total housing units
82.4%
Occupied
17.6%
Vacant
61.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.8%
With health insurance
91.7%
With broadband internet
26.2%
Foreign-born
9.5%
Veterans (18+)
21.8%
With a disability
93.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.0%
High School+
25.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Petersburg city, Virginia has a population of 33,365 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 53rd-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 1469 people per square mile.
The population of Petersburg city has grown 4.8% since 2010 (32,502 → 34,058), a +0.33% annualized rate.
The median household income in Petersburg city, Virginia is $50,741, with mean (average) household income of $62,609 and per-capita income of $29,590. 18.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Petersburg city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (77.2%), White (15.9%), Hispanic or Latino (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Petersburg city, Virginia is 35.8 years. Residents are 54.9% female and 45.1% male.
The median home value in Petersburg city is $157,900 and median monthly rent is $1,132. 38.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,026 total housing units, 17.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Petersburg city, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 6.9%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Petersburg city, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
Petersburg city, VA Climate
Petersburg city, VA has an average annual temperature of 14.8°C (59°F) and receives about 1133 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.8°C
Avg Temp
1133
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 38° | 95 mm |
| February | 5° / 41° | 83 mm |
| March | 9° / 49° | 102 mm |
| April | 14° / 58° | 83 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 103 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 85 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 113 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 111 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 104 mm |
| October | 15° / 60° | 88 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 84 mm |
| December | 5° / 42° | 82 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 Petersburg city, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Petersburg city, VA are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Petersburg 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.