Northumberland County, Virginia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Northumberland County is located in Virginia with a total population of 12,085. It is the 108th most populous county out of 133 in Virginia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Northumberland County is 59.5 years. This is 53% higher than the state median of 38.8 years. Only 14.8% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 17.9% 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 Northumberland County is $69,500. This is 24% lower than the state median of $90,974. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 12% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%. This is 4% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 3.8%. This is 13% lower than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $333,100. Housing costs are 8% lower than the state median of $360,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x. 89.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 33% higher than the state average of 67.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Northumberland County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 68.2% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 19.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.3%) is well below the state average of 10.7%.

Education

33.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 18% 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 90.4%. Notably, 16.2% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.