Stafford County, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 12th-largest in Virginia
The population of Stafford County, Virginia is 160,520 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 12th-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $133,792, the median home value is $458,800, and the median age is 36.3.
The population of Stafford County has grown 30.1% since 2010 (129,857 → 168,919), a +1.90% annualized rate.
160,520
Population
+1.90%
Annual growth
598
People / sq mi
$133,792
Median Income
$458,800
Median Home Value
Stafford County covers 268 sq mi of land at 597.8 people per square mile.
About Stafford County, VA
Among US counties, Stafford County stands out first on household income: a median of $133,792, above the US median of $78,538. Stafford County is a county in Virginia with a population of 160,520. It ranks #12 among counties in Virginia by population.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $133,792, putting Stafford County near the top of US counties. Very few residents live in poverty — 3.6%, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $458,800, with typical rent around $1,925.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 43.3% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is widespread — 18.1% of workers stay home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 38 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Stafford County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Stafford County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Stafford County had a population of 129,857 in 2010 and 168,919 in 2024, a 30.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 168,919 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.90%.
168,919
Population (2024)
129,857
Population (2010)
168,919
Peak (2024)
1.90%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 129,857 |
| 2011 | 132,251 |
| 2012 | 133,449 |
| 2013 | 136,034 |
| 2014 | 138,937 |
| 2015 | 141,035 |
| 2016 | 143,641 |
| 2017 | 146,868 |
| 2018 | 149,891 |
| 2019 | 153,775 |
| 2020 | 157,767 |
| 2021 | 161,588 |
| 2022 | 163,233 |
| 2023 | 165,821 |
| 2024 | 168,919 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 57.2% |
| Black or African American | 19.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.3
Median Age
49.4%
Female
50.6%
Male
11.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.3% · Seniors (65+): 11.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $133,792+$42,818 vs state |
| Mean household income | $157,495 |
| Per-capita income | $51,999 |
| Poverty rate | 3.6%-3.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Stafford County is public administration, accounting for 19.5% of workers.
How residents commute
2.5%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
66.0%
Public transit
18.1%
Work from home
37.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$458,800+$98,100 vs state
Median home value
$1,925
Median rent
80.8%
Homeownership rate
53,864
Total housing units
95.3%
Occupied
4.7%
Vacant
19.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.3%
With health insurance
98.3%
With broadband internet
45.7%
Foreign-born
17.5%
Veterans (18+)
9.0%
With a disability
82.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.8%
High School+
43.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
Other counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Stafford County, Virginia has a population of 160,520 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 12th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 598 people per square mile.
The population of Stafford County has grown 30.1% since 2010 (129,857 → 168,919), a +1.90% annualized rate.
The median household income in Stafford County, Virginia is $133,792, with mean (average) household income of $157,495 and per-capita income of $51,999. 3.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Stafford County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (57.2%), Black or African American (19.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Stafford County, Virginia is 36.3 years. Residents are 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
The median home value in Stafford County is $458,800 and median monthly rent is $1,925. 80.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 53,864 total housing units, 4.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Stafford County, Virginia is public administration, employing 19.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Stafford County, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
More from Virginia
Population 1,144,474
Population 484,625
Population 457,066
Population 427,082
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.