Suffolk, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
98,796
2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$92,666/yr
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
40,499
2.1% year-over-year change

Suffolk population

How many people live in Suffolk

Suffolk is home to 98,796 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Suffolk locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
98,796
2.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
48,037
Female
51.4%
50,759
Value Percent YoY change
Male 48,037 48.6% 2.0%
Female 50,759 51.4% 2.5%
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 Suffolk is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% 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
38.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
12%
25 to 44
27.5%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
15.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 19,270 19.5% 1.5%
15 to 24 11,828 12% 2.7%
25 to 44 27,151 27.5% 3.5%
45 to 64 25,447 25.8% 0.2%
Over 65 15,100 15.3% 4.2%
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, 93.5% 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, 46.5% of locals are Caucasian, 42% 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
93.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.7%
Non-citizens
1.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 92,344 93.5% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,639 4.7% 12.5%
Non-citizens 1,813 1.8% 11.3%
Racial breakdown
White
46.5%
Black or African American
42%
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 45,942 46.5%
Black or African American 41,515 42%
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

A peek inside Suffolk households

Suffolk has 37,908 households, with an average of 3 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
37,908
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
12,079
Family households
25,829
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 12,079 31.9% 5.4%
Family households 25,829 68.1% 0.6%
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 Suffolk

The housing landscape of Suffolk

Suffolk's housing consists of 40,499 units, with 72.2% 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
40,499
2.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 29,232 72.2%
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 3.2%
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

In Suffolk, the median construction year is 1996. 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, 22.2% 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 2,469 6.1% 5.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,777 6.9% 4.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,302 10.6% -5.9%
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 8,984 22.2% 0.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,892 17% 6.9%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 37,908 occupied housing units in Suffolk, 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
37,908
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
11,092
Owner occupied
26,816
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 11,092 29.3% 0.8%
Owner occupied 26,816 70.7% 2.6%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Suffolk come to a median of $1,726 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,563.

Median housing costs per month
$1,726/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
$1,563/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

Suffolk education at a glance

About 32.8% of the population in Suffolk went to high school, while 24.3% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% 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 24,775 32.8% 2.4%
College diploma 18,342 24.3% -1.8%
Associate degree 6,662 8.8% 0.2%
Bachelor's degree 14,456 19.2% 5.7%
Graduate degree 8,990 11.9% 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 Suffolk

How much people earn in Suffolk

The average annual household income in Suffolk was $116,720 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $92,666, reflecting a +2.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Suffolk
$116,720/year
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Suffolk
$92,666/year
2.9% year-over-year change

Suffolk income by age

In Suffolk, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,968. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $116,791 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $70,998, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $62,299 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 $70,998 9.8%
25 - 44 $98,968 5.7%
45 - 64 $116,791 0.6%
Over 65 $62,299 1.5%
Above poverty level
87,526
Below poverty level
9,054
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 87,526 90.6% 2.5%
Below poverty level 9,054 9.4% -2.7%

Average renter income in Suffolk

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Suffolk, their median household income was $49,319 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$49,319
Rent-to-income ratio
38%
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 Suffolk

Workforce and job types in Suffolk

The job market in Suffolk is powered by 45,527 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 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 23.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
45,527
1.5% year-over-year change
White collar
36,145
Blue collar
9,382
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 36,145 79.4% 1.8%
Blue collar 9,382 20.6% 0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
60.4%
Governmental workers
23.8%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,765 8.3% 7.8%
Private companies 27,476 60.4% 0.1%
Governmental workers 10,828 23.8% 6.3%
Not for profit companies 3,458 7.6% -6.9%
Unemployment rate
5.0%
-5.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Suffolk stands at 5%, 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 Suffolk

How people get around in Suffolk

In Suffolk, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
1.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 41,377 86.7% 0.4%
Taxicab 151 0.3% 49.5%
Bus or trolleybus 96 0.2% 7.9%
Motorcycle 93 0.2% 12.1%
Bicycle 92 0.2% 13.6%
Walk 406 0.8% -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 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 demographics 

What is the total population of Suffolk?

Suffolk has a total population of 98,796 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 +2.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Suffolk?

The gender ratio in Suffolk is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (48,037 residents)
  • 51.4% females (50,759 residents)

What is the median age in Suffolk?

The median age in Suffolk is 38.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Suffolk?

The age distribution in Suffolk is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (19,270 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12% (11,828 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.5% (27,151 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (25,447 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.3% (15,100 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Suffolk?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Suffolk is as follows:
  • White: 46.5% (45,942 residents)
  • Black or African American: 42% (41,515 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 are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.5% of the population in Suffolk.

How many housing units are there in Suffolk?

There are 40,499 housing units in Suffolk, reflecting a +2.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Suffolk has a total of 37,908 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Suffolk?

Suffolk has a median household income of $92,666, representing a +2.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95% in Suffolk, with a workforce of 45,527 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.4% (36,145 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.6% (9,382 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (3,765 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.4% (27,476 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.8% (10,828 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (3,458 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