Norfolk city, Virginia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Norfolk city is located in Virginia with a total population of 235,037. It is the 9th most populous county out of 133 in Virginia. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Norfolk city is 32.4 years. This is 16% lower than the state median of 38.8 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Norfolk city is $64,017. This is 30% lower than the state median of $90,974. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 18% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%. This is 74% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 6.1%. This is 42% higher than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $271,900. Housing costs are 25% lower than the state median of $360,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 45.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 32% lower than the state average of 67.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

Norfolk city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Black or African American residents account for 39.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (39.1% vs 18.4%).

Education

32.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 21% 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 89.6%.