Russell County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 68th-largest in Virginia
The population of Russell County, Virginia is 25,635 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 68th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $49,020, the median home value is $119,600, and the median age is 46.5.
The population of Russell County has declined 12.0% since 2010 (28,873 → 25,420), a -0.91% annualized rate.
25,635
Population
-0.91%
Annual growth
54
People / sq mi
$49,020
Median Income
$119,600
Median Home Value
Russell County covers 474 sq mi of land at 54.1 people per square mile.
About Russell County, VA
Russell County is defined demographically by education — 14.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 25,635 residents, Russell County is a county in Virginia.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $49,020, below the US median of $78,538. About 11.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $119,600, with typical rent around $682.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 14.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 3.8% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Russell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Russell County had a population of 28,873 in 2010 and 25,420 in 2024, a -12.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 28,873 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.90%.
25,420
Population (2024)
28,873
Population (2010)
28,873
Peak (2010)
-0.90%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 28,873 |
| 2011 | 28,681 |
| 2012 | 28,429 |
| 2013 | 28,337 |
| 2014 | 28,082 |
| 2015 | 27,863 |
| 2016 | 27,423 |
| 2017 | 27,054 |
| 2018 | 26,820 |
| 2019 | 26,739 |
| 2020 | 25,756 |
| 2021 | 25,574 |
| 2022 | 25,440 |
| 2023 | 25,502 |
| 2024 | 25,420 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 97.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Age & Sex
46.5
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
23.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.2% · Seniors (65+): 23.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,020$-41,954 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,584 |
| Per-capita income | $28,484 |
| Poverty rate | 11.7%+4.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Russell County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
79.4%
Public transit
3.8%
Work from home
27.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$119,600$-241,100 vs state
Median home value
$682
Median rent
75.8%
Homeownership rate
12,772
Total housing units
82.0%
Occupied
18.0%
Vacant
24.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
83.9%
With broadband internet
24.0%
Foreign-born
6.3%
Veterans (18+)
32.4%
With a disability
99.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.4%
High School+
14.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Russell County, Virginia has a population of 25,635 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 68th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 54 people per square mile.
The population of Russell County has declined 12.0% since 2010 (28,873 → 25,420), a -0.91% annualized rate.
The median household income in Russell County, Virginia is $49,020, with mean (average) household income of $66,584 and per-capita income of $28,484. 11.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Russell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (97.0%), Black or African American (1.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Russell County, Virginia is 46.5 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Russell County is $119,600 and median monthly rent is $682. 75.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 12,772 total housing units, 18.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Russell County, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.9%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Russell County, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
Russell County, VA Climate
Russell County, VA has an average annual temperature of 11.9°C (53°F) and receives about 1127 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.9°C
Avg Temp
1127
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 33° | 85 mm |
| February | 2° / 36° | 86 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 99 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 97 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 110 mm |
| June | 20° / 69° | 100 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 118 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 98 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 89 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 79 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 83 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 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 Russell County, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Russell County, VA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Russell County
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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.