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

Total population
10,765
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,530/yr
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,706
0.7% year-over-year change

Sussex County population

How many people live in Sussex County

Sussex County is home to 10,765 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 58.4% of Sussex County locals are male, and 41.6% are female.

Total population
10,765
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
58.4%
6,288
Female
41.6%
4,477
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,288 58.4% 0.4%
Female 4,477 41.6% -1.2%
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 Sussex County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.4% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.5% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.4%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
30.5%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
19.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,438 13.4% 0.1%
15 to 24 1,193 11.1% 8.3%
25 to 44 3,287 30.5% -3.8%
45 to 64 2,782 25.8% 0.0%
Over 65 2,065 19.2% 0.3%
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 Sussex County, 98.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 40.7% of locals are Caucasian, 54.1% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,583 98.3% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 114 1.1% -14.9%
Non-citizens 68 0.6% 9.7%
Racial breakdown
White
40.7%
Black or African American
54.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 4,382 40.7%
Black or African American 5,823 54.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 17 0.2%
Asian 58 0.5%
Two or more races 432 4%
Other 53 0.5%

Households in Sussex County

A peek inside Sussex County households

Sussex County has 3,785 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.6% are families, while the remaining 34.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,785
2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,300
Family households
2,485
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,300 34.4% -0.4%
Family households 2,485 65.6% 3.5%
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 Sussex County

The housing landscape of Sussex County

Sussex County's housing consists of 4,706 units, with 75.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% 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 18.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,706
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,533 75.1%
1 unit, attached 9 0.2%
2 units 89 1.9%
3 or 4 units 76 1.6%
5 to 9 units 105 2.2%
10 to 19 units 21 0.4%
20 to 49 units 6 0.1%
50 or more units 2 0%
Mobile home 865 18.4%
Homes built since 2020
100
257.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sussex County

In Sussex County, the median construction year is 1980. About 8.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 402 8.5% 13.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 213 4.5% 7.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 416 8.8% -26.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 287 6.1% -10.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,012 21.5% 0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 525 11.2% -3.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 667 14.2% -5.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 689 14.6% 25.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 395 8.4% 0.8%
Built in 2020 or later 100 2.1% 257.1%
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.

Sussex County occupancy rates

Out of the 3,785 occupied housing units in Sussex County, 69.8% are owner-occupied, while 30.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 19.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,785
2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,145
Owner occupied
2,640
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,145 30.2% 0.6%
Owner occupied 2,640 69.8% 2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
19.6%
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.

Sussex County housing costs

Housing costs in Sussex County come to a median of $884 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $907.

Median housing costs per month
$884/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 Sussex County
$907/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 Sussex County

Sussex County education at a glance

About 51.5% of the population in Sussex County went to high school, while 20.9% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 9.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 416 4.6% 52.9%
High school diploma 4,672 51.5% -1.7%
College diploma 1,898 20.9% -0.8%
Associate degree 726 8% -11.7%
Bachelor's degree 853 9.4% 2.6%
Graduate degree 506 5.6% 1.6%
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 Sussex County

How much people earn in Sussex County

The average annual household income in Sussex County was $80,506 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,530, reflecting a +1.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sussex County
$80,506/year
-3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sussex County
$63,530/year
1.1% year-over-year change

Sussex County income by age

In Sussex County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,854. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,444 overall. Overall, 88.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $60,854 -8.0%
45 - 64 $84,444 4.1%
Over 65 $50,057 -5.5%
Above poverty level
7,959
Below poverty level
1,060
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,959 88.2% 0.8%
Below poverty level 1,060 11.8% -4.2%

Employment in Sussex County

Workforce and job types in Sussex County

The job market in Sussex County is powered by 4,323 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6% run their own businesses, 71.7% are employed by private companies, and 16.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,323
0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
2,966
Blue collar
1,357
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,966 68.6% 0.2%
Blue collar 1,357 31.4% -0.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6%
Private companies
71.7%
Governmental workers
16.4%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 259 6% -3.7%
Private companies 3,098 71.7% 4.3%
Governmental workers 711 16.4% -11.7%
Not for profit companies 255 5.9% -7.6%
Unemployment rate
4.1%
-7.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sussex County stands at 4.1%, 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 Sussex County

How people get around in Sussex County

Commuting methods vary: 90.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% 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 3,803 90.4% -0.6%
Bus or trolleybus 18 0.4% -25.0%
Bicycle 6 0.1% -62.5%
Walk 19 0.4% -48.6%
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 Sussex County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
23830 1,412 648 $118,030 $119,404
23842 6,924 2,499 $103,364 $109,400
23867 5,173 967 $61,155 $70,171
23882 1,848 806 $63,030 $76,493
23884 29 0 $0 $0
23888 2,528 1,018 $66,558 $89,917
23890 4,167 1,585 $64,063 $82,738
23891 1,449 0 $0 $0
23897 949 274 $83,942 $90,149

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FAQs about Sussex County demographics 

What is the total population of Sussex County?

Sussex County has a total population of 10,765 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sussex County?

The gender ratio in Sussex County is as follows:
  • 58.4% males (6,288 residents)
  • 41.6% females (4,477 residents)

What is the median age in Sussex County?

The median age in Sussex County is 40.8.

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

The age distribution in Sussex County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.4% (1,438 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (1,193 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.5% (3,287 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (2,782 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.2% (2,065 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sussex County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sussex County is as follows:
  • White: 40.7% (4,382 residents)
  • Black or African American: 54.1% (5,823 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (17 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (58 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4% (432 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (53 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.3% of the population in Sussex County.

How many housing units are there in Sussex County?

There are 4,706 housing units in Sussex County, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sussex County has a total of 3,785 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sussex County?

Sussex County has a median household income of $63,530, representing a +1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Sussex County?

The employment rate is 95.9% in Sussex County, with a workforce of 4,323 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.6% (2,966 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.4% (1,357 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6% (259 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.7% (3,098 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.4% (711 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (255 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