Suffolk, VA Census Data
The 11th largest city in Virginia by population · 17 cities ranked
Suffolk is the 11th largest city in Virginia by population and ranks 9th of 17 for median household income. With 96,638 residents, its poverty rate of 9.9% 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
96,638
48.7% male · 51.3% female
Median Age
38.7
At the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$90,089
$11,551 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
32.4%
2.6% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 91.8%
Poverty Rate
9.9%
2.5% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 6.2%
Broadband Access
94.9%
5.2% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$329,600
Median rent: $1,484 · 70% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Labor force participation: 58.6%
Per Capita Income
$50,416
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
15.9%
Disability rate: 12.6%
How Suffolk Compares to Other Virginia Cities
Rankings among all 17 Virginia cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 11th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 9th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 9th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 13th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 9th of 17 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Suffolk, VA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Suffolk, VA?
The population of Suffolk, VA is 96,638 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 38.7 years.
What is the median household income in Suffolk?
The median household income in Suffolk, VA is $90,089, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $50,416.
What is the poverty rate in Suffolk?
The poverty rate in Suffolk, VA is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 6.2% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Suffolk residents have a college degree?
32.4% of adults (25+) in Suffolk hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 91.8% 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 Suffolk?
The median home value in Suffolk, VA is $329,600. Median rent is $1,484 per month, with 70% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Suffolk?
Suffolk's population is 47.5% White, 42.0% Black, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.9% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Suffolk rank among Virginia cities?
Suffolk is the 11th largest city in Virginia by population, the 9th highest for median household income, the 9th lowest for poverty rate, the 13th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 17 ranked Virginia cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Suffolk?
The unemployment rate in Suffolk, VA is 5.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 58.6%. Per capita income is $50,416.
Cities Similar to Suffolk
Other Virginia cities with comparable population and income levels.