Suffolk County, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
98,333
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$94,306/yr
-12.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
40,411
2.2% year-over-year change

Suffolk County population

How many people live in Suffolk County

Suffolk County is home to 98,333 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.7% of Suffolk County locals are male, and 51.3% are female.

Total population
98,333
2.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
47,877
Female
51.3%
50,456
Value Percent YoY change
Male 47,877 48.7% 2.0%
Female 50,456 51.3% 2.1%
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 Suffolk County is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 12% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.5% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
27.5%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
15.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 19,093 19.4% 0.6%
15 to 24 11,770 12% 3.0%
25 to 44 27,015 27.5% 3.6%
45 to 64 25,407 25.8% 0.1%
Over 65 15,048 15.3% 3.8%
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 Suffolk County, 93.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 46.7% of locals are Caucasian, 41.8% are African American and 1.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.7%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 91,888 93.4% 1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,639 4.7% 14.6%
Non-citizens 1,806 1.8% 10.9%
Racial breakdown
White
46.7%
Black or African American
41.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.6%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 45,919 46.7%
Black or African American 41,075 41.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 573 0.6%
Asian 1,843 1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 9 0%
Two or more races 6,470 6.6%
Other 2,444 2.5%

Households in Suffolk County

A peek inside Suffolk County households

Suffolk County has 37,820 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 68.1% are families, while the remaining 31.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
37,820
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
12,063
Family households
25,757
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,063 31.9% 5.3%
Family households 25,757 68.1% 0.7%
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 Suffolk County

The housing landscape of Suffolk County

Suffolk County's housing consists of 40,411 units, with 72.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.3% 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 2.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
40,411
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 29,144 72.1%
1 unit, attached 2,965 7.3%
2 units 860 2.1%
3 or 4 units 905 2.2%
5 to 9 units 1,317 3.3%
10 to 19 units 1,852 4.6%
20 to 49 units 760 1.9%
50 or more units 1,674 4.1%
Mobile home 927 2.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 7 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,796
49.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Suffolk County

In Suffolk County, the median construction year is 1988. About 5.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 22.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 17% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,094 5.2% -11.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,430 3.5% -0.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,456 6.1% 4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,777 6.9% 4.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,297 10.6% -6.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,890 9.6% 1.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,865 14.5% 0.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 8,934 22.1% 0.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,872 17% 8.1%
Built in 2020 or later 1,796 4.4% 49.0%
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.

Suffolk County occupancy rates

Out of the 37,820 occupied housing units in Suffolk County, 70.7% are owner-occupied, while 29.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
37,820
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,092
Owner occupied
26,728
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,092 29.3% 0.8%
Owner occupied 26,728 70.7% 2.7%
Unoccupied housing units
6.4%
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.

Suffolk County housing costs

Housing costs in Suffolk County come to a median of $1,752 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,328.

Median housing costs per month
$1,752/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 Suffolk County
$1,328/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 Suffolk County

Suffolk County education at a glance

About 32.8% of the population in Suffolk County went to high school, while 24.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 19.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,261 3% 6.1%
High school diploma 24,682 32.8% 2.0%
College diploma 18,233 24.2% -2.3%
Associate degree 6,662 8.9% 0.9%
Bachelor's degree 14,408 19.2% 5.9%
Graduate degree 8,954 11.9% 6.3%
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 Suffolk County

How much people earn in Suffolk County

The average annual household income in Suffolk County was $143,587 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $94,306, reflecting a -12.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Suffolk County
$143,587/year
-5.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Suffolk County
$94,306/year
-12.5% year-over-year change

Suffolk County income by age

In Suffolk County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $122,436. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $127,994 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,711, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $73,365 in earnings. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,711 5.1%
25 - 44 $122,436 7.4%
45 - 64 $127,994 10.1%
Over 65 $73,365 -7.3%
Above poverty level
87,063
Below poverty level
9,054
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 87,063 90.6% 2.3%
Below poverty level 9,054 9.4% -2.7%

Employment in Suffolk County

Workforce and job types in Suffolk County

79.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.3% run their own businesses, 60.4% are employed by private companies, and 23.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
35,989
Blue collar
9,362
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 35,989 79.4% 1.6%
Blue collar 9,362 20.6% 1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
60.4%
Governmental workers
23.7%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,765 8.3% 7.8%
Private companies 27,371 60.4% 0.4%
Governmental workers 10,763 23.7% 5.6%
Not for profit companies 3,452 7.6% -7.0%

Transportation in Suffolk County

How people get around in Suffolk County

Commuting methods vary: 98.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% 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 41,243 98.1% 0.6%
Taxicab 120 0.3% 18.8%
Bus or trolleybus 96 0.2% 7.9%
Motorcycle 93 0.2% 12.1%
Bicycle 92 0.2% 13.6%
Walk 406 1% -30.1%
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 Suffolk County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
23436 882 375 $202,708 $244,141
23437 5,023 2,044 $80,833 $97,996
23438 1,749 672 $93,750 $105,121
23432 1,180 531 $94,306 $106,869
23433 1,391 517 $140,114 $211,386
23434 54,387 20,516 $79,877 $99,407
23435 33,721 13,165 $111,700 $140,189

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FAQs about Suffolk County demographics 

What is the total population of Suffolk County?

Suffolk County has a total population of 98,333 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 +2.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Suffolk County?

The gender ratio in Suffolk County is as follows:
  • 48.7% males (47,877 residents)
  • 51.3% females (50,456 residents)

What is the median age in Suffolk County?

The median age in Suffolk County is 43.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Suffolk County?

The age distribution in Suffolk County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (19,093 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (11,770 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.5% (27,015 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (25,407 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.3% (15,048 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Suffolk County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Suffolk County is as follows:
  • White: 46.7% (45,919 residents)
  • Black or African American: 41.8% (41,075 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (573 residents)
  • Asian: 1.9% (1,843 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (9 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.6% (6,470 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (2,444 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.4% of the population in Suffolk County.

How many housing units are there in Suffolk County?

There are 40,411 housing units in Suffolk County, reflecting a +2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Suffolk County has a total of 37,820 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Suffolk County?

Suffolk County has a median household income of $94,306, representing a -12.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Suffolk County?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.4% (35,989 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.6% (9,362 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (3,765 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.4% (27,371 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.7% (10,763 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (3,452 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