South Boston, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,853
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,052/yr
7.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,666
-6.1% year-over-year change

South Boston population

How many people live in South Boston

South Boston is home to 7,853 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44% of South Boston locals are male, and 56% are female.

Total population
7,853
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44%
3,455
Female
56%
4,398
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,455 44% -0.1%
Female 4,398 56% -0.9%
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 South Boston is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 11.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.5% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
11.7%
25 to 44
20.5%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
25.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,561 19.9% -2.1%
15 to 24 917 11.7% 51.6%
25 to 44 1,609 20.5% -5.6%
45 to 64 1,794 22.8% -2.9%
Over 65 1,972 25.1% -8.1%
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 South Boston, 96.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 42.6% of locals are Caucasian, 51% are African American and 1.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,558 96.2% -1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 131 1.7% 0.0%
Non-citizens 164 2.1% 49.1%
Racial breakdown
White
42.6%
Black or African American
51%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.9%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 3,349 42.6%
Black or African American 4,006 51%
Asian 149 1.9%
Two or more races 226 2.9%
Other 123 1.6%

Households in South Boston

A peek inside South Boston households

South Boston has 2,974 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 55.5% are families, while the remaining 44.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,974
-7.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,324
Family households
1,650
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,324 44.5% -6.2%
Family households 1,650 55.5% -7.6%
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 South Boston

The housing landscape of South Boston

South Boston's housing consists of 3,666 units, with 68% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5% 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 3.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,666
-6.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,491 68%
1 unit, attached 185 5%
2 units 106 2.9%
3 or 4 units 297 8.1%
5 to 9 units 196 5.4%
10 to 19 units 20 0.6%
20 to 49 units 160 4.4%
50 or more units 84 2.3%
Mobile home 127 3.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Boston

In South Boston, the median construction year is 1969. About 12% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% 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 439 12% -19.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 212 5.8% -27.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 600 16.4% -2.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 670 18.3% -10.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 827 22.6% -5.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 348 9.5% 5.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 376 10.3% 13.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 94 2.6% 20.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 100 2.7% 20.5%
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.

South Boston occupancy rates

Out of the 2,974 occupied housing units in South Boston, 50.8% are owner-occupied, while 49.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,974
-7.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,462
Owner occupied
1,512
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,462 49.2% -9.4%
Owner occupied 1,512 50.8% -4.5%
Unoccupied housing units
18.9%
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.

South Boston housing costs

Housing costs in South Boston come to a median of $703 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $760.

Median housing costs per month
$703/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 South Boston
$760/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 South Boston

South Boston education at a glance

About 41.7% of the population in South Boston went to high school, while 23.6% pursued college studies. Another 10.4% earned an associate degree and 12.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 255 4.4% 22.0%
High school diploma 2,443 41.7% -14.9%
College diploma 1,385 23.6% -1.1%
Associate degree 608 10.4% 45.8%
Bachelor's degree 722 12.3% -10.0%
Graduate degree 442 7.6% 28.1%
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 South Boston

How much people earn in South Boston

The average annual household income in South Boston was $62,826 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,052, reflecting a +7.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Boston
$62,826/year
8.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Boston
$44,052/year
7.2% year-over-year change

South Boston income by age

In South Boston, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,281. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,398 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $43,750, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $35,966 in earnings. Overall, 73.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $43,750 8.3%
25 - 44 $43,281 20.4%
45 - 64 $70,398 13.3%
Over 65 $35,966 7.3%
Above poverty level
5,097
Below poverty level
1,874
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,097 73.1% -1.5%
Below poverty level 1,874 26.9% 1.8%

Average renter income in South Boston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in South Boston, their median household income was $30,521 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 29.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,521
Rent-to-income ratio
29.9%
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 South Boston

Workforce and job types in South Boston

The job market in South Boston is powered by 2,798 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.9% run their own businesses, 70.5% are employed by private companies, and 16.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,798
5.5% year-over-year change
White collar
1,917
Blue collar
881
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,917 68.5% 2.0%
Blue collar 881 31.5% 14.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.9%
Private companies
70.5%
Governmental workers
16.5%
Not for profit companies
6.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 193 6.9% -3.5%
Private companies 1,973 70.5% 13.6%
Governmental workers 461 16.5% -12.5%
Not for profit companies 171 6.1% -9.5%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
9.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in South Boston stands at 5.2%, 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 South Boston

How people get around in South Boston

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,496 94.5% 11.8%
Bus or trolleybus 6 0.2% 20.0%
Bicycle 6 0.2% -14.3%
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 South Boston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24592 14,589 5,453 $51,547 $69,216

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FAQs about South Boston demographics 

What is the total population of South Boston?

South Boston has a total population of 7,853 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Boston?

The gender ratio in South Boston is as follows:
  • 44% males (3,455 residents)
  • 56% females (4,398 residents)

What is the median age in South Boston?

The median age in South Boston is 44.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in South Boston?

The age distribution in South Boston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (1,561 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.7% (917 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.5% (1,609 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (1,794 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.1% (1,972 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Boston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Boston is as follows:
  • White: 42.6% (3,349 residents)
  • Black or African American: 51% (4,006 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.9% (149 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.9% (226 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (123 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.2% of the population in South Boston.

How many housing units are there in South Boston?

There are 3,666 housing units in South Boston, reflecting a -6.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

South Boston has a total of 2,974 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Boston?

South Boston has a median household income of $44,052, representing a +7.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for South Boston?

The employment rate is 94.8% in South Boston, with a workforce of 2,798 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.5% (1,917 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.5% (881 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.9% (193 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.5% (1,973 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.5% (461 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.1% (171 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