Norfolk, VA
Population 235,037 · Virginia
About Norfolk, VA
Norfolk is a major city located in Virginia with a population of 235,037 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,017 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Norfolk features a median home value of $271,900, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Norfolk in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,246, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 102,542 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (43,159 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (51,298 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Norfolk shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Norfolk have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.7% of Norfolk residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.6% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 7.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Norfolk Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Norfolk, VA
Compared to national averages, Norfolk has a median household income of $64,017 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $271,900, which is 11% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,246 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Norfolk's income is 27% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 17% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Norfolk, VA?
Norfolk offers short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,017) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Norfolk provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Norfolk has a population of 235,037 with a median age of 32.4 years. Compare Norfolk with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Norfolk
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | 235,463 | $140,160 | $864,800 | Compare |
| Richmond | 227,595 | $62,671 | $328,100 | Compare |
| Chesapeake | 251,153 | $94,189 | $359,100 | Compare |
| Newport News | 184,774 | $66,718 | $243,300 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 156,788 | $113,638 | $696,800 | Compare |
| Hampton | 137,334 | $67,758 | $234,100 | Compare |
| Roanoke | 98,677 | $52,671 | $180,500 | Compare |
| Portsmouth | 97,299 | $58,972 | $229,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Norfolk With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Norfolk
What is the population of Norfolk, VA?
The population of Norfolk, VA is 235,037 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Norfolk?
The median household income in Norfolk, VA is $64,017 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Norfolk?
The median home value in Norfolk, VA is $271,900, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Norfolk?
The median monthly rent in Norfolk, VA is $1,246, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Norfolk?
The unemployment rate in Norfolk, VA is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Norfolk, VA a good place to live?
Norfolk offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 235,037 and a median age of 32.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Norfolk, VA?
32.7% of residents in Norfolk aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Norfolk, VA: median home value is $271,900 (11% above national), median rent is $1,246/month, and median household income is $64,017. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Norfolk?
The poverty rate in Norfolk, VA is 17.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Norfolk, VA?
Norfolk's population is 3.6% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 39.0% two or more races. 7.7% of residents are foreign-born.