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.
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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.