Mathews County, Virginia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Mathews County is located in Virginia with a total population of 8,517. It is the 118th most populous county out of 133 in Virginia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Mathews County is 53.8 years. This is 39% higher than the state median of 38.8 years. 15.1% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Mathews County is $75,487. This is 17% lower than the state median of $90,974. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 4% lower. The poverty rate stands at 7.9%. This is 21% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 5.9%. This is 38% higher than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $348,800. Housing costs are 3% lower than the state median of $360,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x. 85.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 27% higher than the state average of 67.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Mathews County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.8% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 8.4%. The Black or African American population (8.4%) is well below the state average of 18.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.6%) is well below the state average of 10.7%.

Education

30.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 27% lower than the state rate of 41.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.3%.