Norfolk, VA Census Data
The 4th largest city in Virginia by population · 17 cities ranked
Norfolk is the 4th largest city in Virginia by population and ranks 12th of 17 for median household income. With 235,037 residents, its poverty rate of 17.3% ranks among the higher rates in Virginia. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
235,037
50.7% male · 49.3% female
Median Age
32.4
6.3 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$64,017
$14,521 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
32.7%
2.3% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 89.6%
Poverty Rate
17.3%
4.9% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.1%
Broadband Access
94.5%
4.8% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$271,900
Median rent: $1,246 · 46% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
Labor force participation: 53.8%
Per Capita Income
$37,126
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
14.3%
Disability rate: 14.8%
How Norfolk Compares to Other Virginia Cities
Rankings among all 17 Virginia cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 4th of 17 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 12th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 12th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 12th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 12th of 17 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Norfolk, VA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Norfolk, VA?
The population of Norfolk, VA is 235,037 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 32.4 years.
What is the median household income in Norfolk?
The median household income in Norfolk, VA is $64,017, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $37,126.
What is the poverty rate in Norfolk?
The poverty rate in Norfolk, VA is 17.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Norfolk residents have a college degree?
32.7% of adults (25+) in Norfolk hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.6% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Norfolk?
The median home value in Norfolk, VA is $271,900. Median rent is $1,246 per month, with 46% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Norfolk?
Norfolk's population is 44.0% White, 39.8% Black, 9.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Norfolk rank among Virginia cities?
Norfolk is the 4th largest city in Virginia by population, the 12th highest for median household income, the 12th lowest for poverty rate, the 12th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 17 ranked Virginia cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Norfolk?
The unemployment rate in Norfolk, VA is 6.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 53.8%. Per capita income is $37,126.
Cities Similar to Norfolk
Other Virginia cities with comparable population and income levels.