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Population Review

Virginia Beach city, Virginia Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in Virginia

The population of Virginia Beach city, Virginia is 457,066 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in Virginia. The median household income is $90,685, the median home value is $366,300, and the median age is 37.4.

The population of Virginia Beach city has grown 3.6% since 2010 (438,864 → 454,808), a +0.26% annualized rate.

Virginia Beach city within Virginia · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

457,066

Population

+0.26%

Annual growth

1868

People / sq mi

$90,685

Median Income

$366,300

Median Home Value

Virginia Beach city covers 245 sq mi of land at 1867.7 people per square mile.

About Virginia Beach city, VA

Virginia Beach city stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 1,868 people per square mile. With 457,066 residents, Virginia Beach city is a county in Virginia. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Virginia in the country, at #3 by population.

Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $90,685, above the US median of $78,538. Only 6.6% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $366,300, with typical rent around $1,649.

Virginia Beach city is among the best-educated US counties: 40.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 12.7%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.

That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Virginia Beach city: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.

Virginia Beach city Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Virginia Beach city had a population of 438,864 in 2010 and 454,808 in 2024, a 3.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 459,673 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.26%.

2020 · 460K20102024
Virginia Beach city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

454,808

Population (2024)

438,864

Population (2010)

459,673

Peak (2020)

0.26%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010438,864
2011442,654
2012445,189
2013447,922
2014449,139
2015450,635
2016451,510
2017450,417
2018450,488
2019450,766
2020459,673
2021458,599
2022454,886
2023453,779
2024454,808

Race & Ethnicity

White61.6%
Black or African American18.9%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.4%
Two or More Races0.1%

Age & Sex

37.4

Median Age

50.9%

Female

49.1%

Male

15.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.0%
5–9
6.3%
10–14
6.1%
15–19
5.9%
20–24
6.4%
25–34
15.7%
35–44
14.1%
45–54
11.7%
55–59
6.5%
60–64
6.1%
65–74
9.2%
75–84
4.5%
85+
1.6%

Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 15.3%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$90,685$-289 vs state
Mean household income$118,081
Per-capita income$47,372
Poverty rate6.6%-0.2% vs state
Unemployment rate2.7%
Employment-to-population60.7%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
24.1%
Finance & real estate
14.4%
Education & health care
10.3%
Information
8.2%
Public administration
7.7%
Manufacturing
6.0%
Construction
5.6%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.8%

The largest employment sector in Virginia Beach city is professional & business services, accounting for 24.1% of workers.

How residents commute

0.8%

Drive alone

1.8%

Carpool

75.3%

Public transit

12.7%

Work from home

23.2 min

Avg commute

Housing

$366,300+$5,600 vs state

Median home value

$1,649

Median rent

64.9%

Homeownership rate

190,734

Total housing units

94.3%

Occupied

5.7%

Vacant

35.1%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

93.5%

With health insurance

97.1%

With broadband internet

46.2%

Foreign-born

16.0%

Veterans (18+)

11.7%

With a disability

87.6%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

94.7%

High School+

40.4%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Virginia

Other counties in Virginia

Part of Virginia

Metro areas in Virginia

County rankings

Common questions about Virginia Beach city, VA

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach city, Virginia has a population of 457,066 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 1868 people per square mile.

The population of Virginia Beach city has grown 3.6% since 2010 (438,864 → 454,808), a +0.26% annualized rate.

The median household income in Virginia Beach city, Virginia is $90,685, with mean (average) household income of $118,081 and per-capita income of $47,372. 6.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Virginia Beach city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (61.6%), Black or African American (18.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Virginia Beach city, Virginia is 37.4 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.

The median home value in Virginia Beach city is $366,300 and median monthly rent is $1,649. 64.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 190,734 total housing units, 5.7% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Virginia Beach city, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.

Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Virginia Beach city, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.

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

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