Petersburg city, Virginia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Petersburg city is located in Virginia with a total population of 33,365. It is the 53rd most populous county out of 133 in Virginia. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Petersburg city is 35.8 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 38.8 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Petersburg city is $50,741. This is 44% lower than the state median of $90,974. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%. This is 113% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 11.4%. This is 165% higher than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $157,900. Housing costs are 56% lower than the state median of $360,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 38.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 43% lower than the state average of 67.2%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Petersburg city is Black or African American, making up 74.6% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 14.6%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (14.6%) is well below the state average of 59.0%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (74.6% vs 18.4%). The Asian population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 6.8%.

Education

25.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 40% 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 86.9%.