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Population Review

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.

Southampton County within Virginia · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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 is a county in Virginia with a population of 17,988. It ranks #85 among counties in Virginia by population. The median age is 46.9, older than the national median. The population is 52.4% male and 47.6% female.

The median household income in Southampton County is $68,465, below the US median of $74,580. 7.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $208,800, with monthly rent averaging $930. The homeownership rate of 74.8% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Southampton County reflects 18.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 34.0 minutes each way.

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%.

2010 · 19K20102024

17,941

Population (2024)

18,642

Population (2010)

18,642

Peak (2010)

-0.27%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201018,642
201118,638
201218,506
201318,330
201418,224
201518,139
201618,090
201717,866
201817,757
201917,797
202017,951
202118,028
202217,897
202318,000
202417,941

Race & Ethnicity

White61.3%
Black or African American29.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.8%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

46.9

Median Age

47.6%

Female

52.4%

Male

21.4%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.6%
5–9
5.4%
10–14
5.3%
15–19
6.0%
20–24
4.8%
25–34
9.7%
35–44
11.3%
45–54
14.9%
55–59
7.9%
60–64
8.7%
65–74
12.8%
75–84
6.7%
85+
1.9%

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 rate7.0%+0.2% vs state
Unemployment rate3.4%
Employment-to-population51.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
25.1%
Finance & real estate
11.7%
Manufacturing
10.4%
Public administration
9.9%
Construction
7.8%
Education & health care
6.8%
Retail trade
4.1%
Agriculture
4.0%

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

Other counties in Virginia

Part of Virginia

Metro areas in Virginia

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.