Emporia, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,547
-1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,899/yr
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,726
-3.5% year-over-year change

Emporia population

How many people live in Emporia

Emporia is home to 5,547 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.5% of Emporia locals are male, and 53.5% are female.

Total population
5,547
-1.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.5%
2,579
Female
53.5%
2,968
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,579 46.5% -1.5%
Female 2,968 53.5% -1.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Emporia is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.9% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 21.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.9%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
21.9%
Over 65
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,269 22.9% 3.9%
15 to 24 653 11.8% -15.1%
25 to 44 1,403 25.3% 12.6%
45 to 64 1,214 21.9% -10.8%
Over 65 1,008 18.2% -2.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Emporia, 95.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 19.6% of locals are Caucasian, 64.3% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.1%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,275 95.1% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 170 3.1% -11.5%
Non-citizens 102 1.8% -34.6%
Racial breakdown
White
19.6%
Black or African American
64.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.5%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,087 19.6%
Black or African American 3,569 64.3%
Asian 32 0.6%
Two or more races 859 15.5%

Households in Emporia

A peek inside Emporia households

Emporia has 2,157 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.6% are families, while the remaining 38.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,157
-2.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
828
Family households
1,329
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 828 38.4% 0.7%
Family households 1,329 61.6% -4.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Emporia

The housing landscape of Emporia

Emporia's housing consists of 2,726 units, with 76.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,726
-3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,081 76.3%
1 unit, attached 8 0.3%
2 units 81 3%
3 or 4 units 309 11.3%
5 to 9 units 98 3.6%
10 to 19 units 26 1%
20 to 49 units 36 1.3%
50 or more units 11 0.4%
Mobile home 76 2.8%
Homes built since 2020
7
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Emporia

In Emporia, the median construction year is 1959. About 17.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 480 17.6% -10.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 198 7.3% 5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 776 28.5% 32.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 341 12.5% 1.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 339 12.4% -15.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 195 7.2% 5.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 223 8.2% -30.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 167 6.1% -18.9%
Built in 2020 or later 7 0.3% N/A
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Emporia occupancy rates

Out of the 2,157 occupied housing units in Emporia, 38.1% are owner-occupied, while 61.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,157
-2.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,335
Owner occupied
822
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,335 61.9% -2.3%
Owner occupied 822 38.1% -3.5%
Unoccupied housing units
20.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Emporia housing costs

Housing costs in Emporia come to a median of $1,006 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,037.

Median housing costs per month
$1,006/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Emporia
$1,037/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Emporia

Emporia education at a glance

About 52.4% of the population in Emporia went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.3% earned an associate degree and 9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 212 5.3% -40.6%
High school diploma 2,104 52.4% 1.6%
College diploma 745 18.6% 6.9%
Associate degree 373 9.3% -14.1%
Bachelor's degree 363 9% 18.6%
Graduate degree 217 5.4% -11.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Emporia

How much people earn in Emporia

The average annual household income in Emporia was $71,067 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,899, reflecting a +5.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Emporia
$71,067/year
7.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Emporia
$51,899/year
5.1% year-over-year change

Emporia income by age

In Emporia, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $50,778. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,964 overall. Overall, 84.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $50,778 2.4%
45 - 64 $66,964 -6.8%
Over 65 $40,625 24.4%
Above poverty level
4,475
Below poverty level
812
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,475 84.6% -3.6%
Below poverty level 812 15.4% 11.4%

Average renter income in Emporia

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Emporia, their median household income was $40,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$40,000
Rent-to-income ratio
31.1%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Emporia

Workforce and job types in Emporia

The job market in Emporia is powered by 2,272 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 56.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 43.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.4% run their own businesses, 71.4% are employed by private companies, and 21% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,272
4.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,291
Blue collar
981
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,291 56.8% 7.6%
Blue collar 981 43.2% 0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
4.4%
Private companies
71.4%
Governmental workers
21%
Not for profit companies
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 100 4.4% 12.4%
Private companies 1,623 71.4% 1.1%
Governmental workers 477 21% 35.9%
Not for profit companies 72 3.2% -46.7%
Unemployment rate
3.0%
-9.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Emporia stands at 3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Emporia

How people get around in Emporia

Commuting methods vary: 84.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,905 84.1% -2.0%
Taxicab 30 1.3% 15.4%
Bus or trolleybus 4 0.2% -20.0%
Walk 100 4.4% 66.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Emporia by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
23847 12,956 4,897 $51,168 $69,871

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FAQs about Emporia demographics 

What is the total population of Emporia?

Emporia has a total population of 5,547 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Emporia?

The gender ratio in Emporia is as follows:
  • 46.5% males (2,579 residents)
  • 53.5% females (2,968 residents)

What is the median age in Emporia?

The median age in Emporia is 36.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Emporia?

The age distribution in Emporia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.9% (1,269 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (653 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (1,403 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.9% (1,214 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.2% (1,008 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Emporia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Emporia is as follows:
  • White: 19.6% (1,087 residents)
  • Black or African American: 64.3% (3,569 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (32 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.5% (859 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Emporia are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.1% of the population in Emporia.

How many housing units are there in Emporia?

There are 2,726 housing units in Emporia, reflecting a -3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Emporia and what is the average household size?

Emporia has a total of 2,157 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Emporia?

Emporia has a median household income of $51,899, representing a +5.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Emporia?

The employment rate is 97% in Emporia, with a workforce of 2,272 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 56.8% (1,291 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 43.2% (981 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.4% (100 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.4% (1,623 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21% (477 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.2% (72 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025