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.
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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.