Southampton County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 85th-largest in Virginia
The population of Southampton County, Virginia is 17,988 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 85th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $68,465, the median home value is $208,800, and the median age is 46.9.
The population of Southampton County has declined 3.8% since 2010 (18,642 → 17,941), a -0.27% annualized rate.
17,988
Population
-0.27%
Annual growth
30
People / sq mi
$68,465
Median Income
$208,800
Median Home Value
Southampton County covers 599 sq mi of land at 30.0 people per square mile.
About Southampton County, VA
Southampton County skews on age — the median resident is 46.9, older than the national median. Southampton County is a county in Virginia with a population of 17,988.
Median household income is $68,465, below the US median of $78,538. Only 7.0% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $208,800, with typical rent around $930.
18.6% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Southampton County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Southampton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Southampton County had a population of 18,642 in 2010 and 17,941 in 2024, a -3.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,642 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.27%.
17,941
Population (2024)
18,642
Population (2010)
18,642
Peak (2010)
-0.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,642 |
| 2011 | 18,638 |
| 2012 | 18,506 |
| 2013 | 18,330 |
| 2014 | 18,224 |
| 2015 | 18,139 |
| 2016 | 18,090 |
| 2017 | 17,866 |
| 2018 | 17,757 |
| 2019 | 17,797 |
| 2020 | 17,951 |
| 2021 | 18,028 |
| 2022 | 17,897 |
| 2023 | 18,000 |
| 2024 | 17,941 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 61.3% |
| Black or African American | 29.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.9
Median Age
47.6%
Female
52.4%
Male
21.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.3% · Seniors (65+): 21.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $68,465$-22,509 vs state |
| Mean household income | $83,914 |
| Per-capita income | $32,981 |
| Poverty rate | 7.0%+0.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Southampton County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.2%
Carpool
78.3%
Public transit
5.0%
Work from home
34.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$208,800$-151,900 vs state
Median home value
$930
Median rent
74.8%
Homeownership rate
7,774
Total housing units
88.6%
Occupied
11.4%
Vacant
25.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.8%
With health insurance
89.5%
With broadband internet
24.7%
Foreign-born
11.8%
Veterans (18+)
19.0%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.7%
High School+
18.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Southampton County, Virginia has a population of 17,988 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 85th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 30 people per square mile.
The population of Southampton County has declined 3.8% since 2010 (18,642 → 17,941), a -0.27% annualized rate.
The median household income in Southampton County, Virginia is $68,465, with mean (average) household income of $83,914 and per-capita income of $32,981. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Southampton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (61.3%), Black or African American (29.8%), Hispanic or Latino (3.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Southampton County, Virginia is 46.9 years. Residents are 47.6% female and 52.4% male.
The median home value in Southampton County is $208,800 and median monthly rent is $930. 74.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,774 total housing units, 11.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Southampton County, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Southampton County, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
Southampton County, VA Climate
Southampton County, VA has an average annual temperature of 14.9°C (59°F) and receives about 1175 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.9°C
Avg Temp
1175
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 98 mm |
| February | 5° / 41° | 90 mm |
| March | 10° / 49° | 101 mm |
| April | 14° / 58° | 82 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 106 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 102 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 126 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 123 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 99 mm |
| October | 15° / 60° | 85 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 77 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 86 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 Southampton County, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Southampton County, VA are typically September, May and June, 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 Southampton County
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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.