Virginia Beach, Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Virginia Beach, Virginia had a total population of 456,349, the 1st largest city in Virginia, with a median household income of $92,968, which is about the same as the state average. The poverty rate is 8.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Virginia Beach is the 1st largest city in Virginia with a population of 456,349.
Virginia Beach Quick Facts
How Virginia Beach Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,066 | 456,349 | -0.2% |
| Median household income | $90,685 | $92,968 | +2.5% |
| Median home value | $366,300 | $382,500 | +4.4% |
How Virginia Beach Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 61 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Virginia Beach Rankings in Virginia
Explore Virginia Rankings
Cities Similar to Virginia Beach
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake | 252,583 | $95,373 | $378,400 | 36.9% | 9.4% |
| Norfolk | 233,596 | $66,109 | $289,900 | 33.5% | 16.5% |
| Richmond | 229,359 | $64,587 | $353,000 | 45.6% | 18.2% |
| Arlington | 236,254 | $142,114 | $895,000 | 77.1% | 7.4% |
| Newport News | 184,216 | $69,634 | $260,600 | 30.6% | 14.5% |
Population Overview
Virginia Beach is a major urban center located in Virginia. The total population is 456,349. It ranks as the 1st most populous out of 681 Census-designated places in Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Virginia Beach is 37.9 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 39.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Virginia Beach is $92,968. This is about the same as the state median of $93,170. It is also 15% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.6%. This is 13% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 4.0%. This is 7% lower than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $382,500. Housing costs are about the same as the state median of $383,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x. 65.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% lower than the state average of 67.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Virginia Beach is White (non-Hispanic), making up 58.9% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 18.2%.
Education
40.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 3% lower than the state rate of 42.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.7%. Notably, 15.5% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Virginia Beach, Virginia is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Virginia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 681 Census-designated places in Virginia. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Virginia Beach, Virginia has a population of 456,349 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Virginia Beach, VA?
The median household income in Virginia Beach is $92,968, which is 15% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Virginia Beach, VA?
The poverty rate in Virginia Beach is 8.6%. This means approximately 38,505 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Virginia Beach's population is 58.9% White, 18.2% Black, 9.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Virginia Beach, VA?
The median home value in Virginia Beach is $382,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
How educated is Virginia Beach, Virginia?
40.9% of adults (25+) in Virginia Beach hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 15.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.