Downtown Norfolk, Norfolk, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,421
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,450/yr
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,978
5.5% year-over-year change

Downtown Norfolk population

How many people live in Downtown Norfolk

Downtown Norfolk is home to 3,421 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.2% of Downtown Norfolk locals are male, and 47.8% are female.

Total population
3,421
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.2%
1,784
Female
47.8%
1,637
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,784 52.2% -1.1%
Female 1,637 47.8% 3.4%
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 Downtown Norfolk is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 11% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 42.2% of the population, while another 19.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
35
Age breakdown
Under 15
11%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
42.2%
45 to 64
19.4%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 376 11% 8.4%
15 to 24 424 12.4% 7.6%
25 to 44 1,445 42.2% -6.8%
45 to 64 663 19.4% 4.2%
Over 65 514 15% 11.7%
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 Downtown Norfolk, 88.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 47.5% of locals are Caucasian, 39% are African American and 4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.8%
Non-citizens
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,028 88.5% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 197 5.8% 0.5%
Non-citizens 196 5.7% 0.5%
Racial breakdown
White
47.5%
Black or African American
39%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8%
Other
1.4%
Value Percent
White 1,626 47.5%
Black or African American 1,335 39%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Asian 136 4%
Two or more races 273 8%
Other 49 1.4%

Households in Downtown Norfolk

A peek inside Downtown Norfolk households

Downtown Norfolk has 1,802 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 34.2% are families, while the remaining 65.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,802
4.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,185
Family households
617
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,185 65.8% 10.6%
Family households 617 34.2% -5.1%
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 Downtown Norfolk

The housing landscape of Downtown Norfolk

Downtown Norfolk's housing consists of 1,978 units, with 8.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.6% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,978
5.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 166 8.4%
1 unit, attached 91 4.6%
2 units 47 2.4%
3 or 4 units 55 2.8%
5 to 9 units 182 9.2%
10 to 19 units 148 7.5%
20 to 49 units 382 19.3%
50 or more units 901 45.6%
Mobile home 4 0.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 1 0%
Homes built since 2020
26
36.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Downtown Norfolk

In Downtown Norfolk, the median construction year is 1966. About 26.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 523 26.4% 11.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 66 3.3% -15.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 208 10.5% 16.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 162 8.2% 5.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 107 5.4% 28.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 210 10.6% -19.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 102 5.2% -10.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 336 17% 8.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 238 12% 15.0%
Built in 2020 or later 26 1.3% 36.8%
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.

Downtown Norfolk occupancy rates

Out of the 1,802 occupied housing units in Downtown Norfolk, 20.5% are owner-occupied, while 79.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,802
4.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,433
Owner occupied
370
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,433 79.5% 5.5%
Owner occupied 370 20.5% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
8.9%
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.

Downtown Norfolk housing costs

Housing costs in Downtown Norfolk come to a median of $1,572 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,492.

Median housing costs per month
$1,572/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 Downtown Norfolk
$1,492/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 Downtown Norfolk

Downtown Norfolk education at a glance

About 25.4% of the population in Downtown Norfolk went to high school, while 18.4% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 26% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 64 2.2% 23.1%
High school diploma 749 25.4% 7.0%
College diploma 544 18.4% -2.5%
Associate degree 171 5.8% 27.6%
Bachelor's degree 766 26% -5.9%
Graduate degree 658 22.3% -6.7%
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 Downtown Norfolk

How much people earn in Downtown Norfolk

The average annual household income in Downtown Norfolk was $86,448 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,450, reflecting a +1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Downtown Norfolk
$86,448/year
-6.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Downtown Norfolk
$70,450/year
1.2% year-over-year change

Downtown Norfolk income by age

In Downtown Norfolk, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,720. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $75,122 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,920, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $59,732 in earnings. Overall, 82.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,920 0.4%
25 - 44 $74,720 -3.6%
45 - 64 $75,122 12.4%
Over 65 $59,732 -11.8%
Above poverty level
2,563
Below poverty level
534
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,563 82.8% 2.6%
Below poverty level 534 17.2% -4.3%

Employment in Downtown Norfolk

Workforce and job types in Downtown Norfolk

91.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 8.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6% run their own businesses, 61.4% are employed by private companies, and 22.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,448
Blue collar
142
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,448 91.1% -2.7%
Blue collar 142 8.9% 6.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6%
Private companies
61.4%
Governmental workers
22.9%
Not for profit companies
9.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 95 6% -12.8%
Private companies 976 61.4% 5.4%
Governmental workers 365 22.9% -9.0%
Not for profit companies 155 9.7% -16.7%

Transportation in Downtown Norfolk

How people get around in Downtown Norfolk

Commuting methods vary: 83.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 8.3% 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 1,281 83.4% -4.1%
Bus or trolleybus 89 5.8% -30.5%
Ferryboat 22 1.4% -42.1%
Bicycle 16 1% -11.1%
Walk 128 8.3% 43.8%
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 Downtown Norfolk by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
23510 9,190 4,720 $73,524 $90,537
23517 4,932 2,882 $67,375 $92,393

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FAQs about Downtown Norfolk demographics 

What is the total population of Downtown Norfolk?

Downtown Norfolk has a total population of 3,421 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 +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Downtown Norfolk?

The gender ratio in Downtown Norfolk is as follows:
  • 52.2% males (1,784 residents)
  • 47.8% females (1,637 residents)

What is the median age in Downtown Norfolk?

The median age in Downtown Norfolk is 35.

What is the age distribution of the population in Downtown Norfolk?

The age distribution in Downtown Norfolk is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11% (376 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (424 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 42.2% (1,445 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.4% (663 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (514 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Norfolk?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Downtown Norfolk is as follows:
  • White: 47.5% (1,626 residents)
  • Black or African American: 39% (1,335 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 4% (136 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8% (273 residents)
  • Other: 1.4% (49 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.5% of the population in Downtown Norfolk.

How many housing units are there in Downtown Norfolk?

There are 1,978 housing units in Downtown Norfolk, reflecting a +5.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Downtown Norfolk has a total of 1,802 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Downtown Norfolk?

Downtown Norfolk has a median household income of $70,450, representing a +1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Downtown Norfolk?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 91.1% (1,448 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 8.9% (142 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6% (95 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.4% (976 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.9% (365 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.7% (155 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