Virginia Beach, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
456,349
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$92,968/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
191,294
0.3% year-over-year change

Virginia Beach population

How many people live in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is home to 456,349 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Virginia Beach locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
456,349
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
223,718
Female
51%
232,631
Value Percent YoY change
Male 223,718 49% -0.3%
Female 232,631 51% 0.0%
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 Virginia Beach is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.6% of the population, while another 24.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
29.6%
45 to 64
24.1%
Over 65
15.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 82,778 18.1% -1.4%
15 to 24 55,627 12.2% -0.4%
25 to 44 135,286 29.6% -0.4%
45 to 64 110,143 24.1% -0.9%
Over 65 72,515 15.9% 3.2%
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 Virginia Beach, 88% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.8% of locals are Caucasian, 18.8% are African American and 7.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.8%
Non-citizens
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 401,352 88% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 40,086 8.8% -0.3%
Non-citizens 14,911 3.3% 1.4%
Racial breakdown
White
60.8%
Black or African American
18.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
7.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
10.2%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 277,439 60.8%
Black or African American 85,740 18.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,042 0.2%
Asian 33,022 7.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 752 0.2%
Two or more races 46,554 10.2%
Other 11,800 2.6%

Households in Virginia Beach

A peek inside Virginia Beach households

Virginia Beach has 179,851 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.5% are families, while the remaining 33.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
179,851
0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
60,288
Family households
119,563
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 60,288 33.5% 1.0%
Family households 119,563 66.5% -0.5%
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 Virginia Beach

The housing landscape of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach's housing consists of 191,294 units, with 54.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 18.5% 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 1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
191,294
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 104,365 54.6%
1 unit, attached 35,444 18.5%
2 units 2,590 1.4%
3 or 4 units 8,931 4.7%
5 to 9 units 14,764 7.7%
10 to 19 units 8,339 4.4%
20 to 49 units 3,950 2.1%
50 or more units 10,928 5.7%
Mobile home 1,893 1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 90 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,067
41.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Virginia Beach

In Virginia Beach, the median construction year is 1984. About 1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,818 1% -15.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,521 1.3% 4.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 11,221 5.9% 2.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 24,016 12.6% 2.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 36,340 19% -3.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 52,321 27.4% 0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 24,933 13% -0.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 21,240 11.1% 1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 15,817 8.3% 1.6%
Built in 2020 or later 1,067 0.6% 41.9%
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.

Virginia Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 179,851 occupied housing units in Virginia Beach, 65.2% are owner-occupied, while 34.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
179,851
0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
62,686
Owner occupied
117,165
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 62,686 34.8% -0.6%
Owner occupied 117,165 65.2% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
6.0%
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.

Virginia Beach housing costs

Housing costs in Virginia Beach come to a median of $1,745 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,714.

Median housing costs per month
$1,745/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 Virginia Beach
$1,714/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 Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach education at a glance

About 27.9% of the population in Virginia Beach went to high school, while 22.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 24.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6,216 1.7% 3.5%
High school diploma 99,368 27.9% 2.0%
College diploma 80,698 22.6% -3.3%
Associate degree 34,370 9.6% -3.3%
Bachelor's degree 85,794 24.1% 2.1%
Graduate degree 50,044 14% 1.0%
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 Virginia Beach

How much people earn in Virginia Beach

The average annual household income in Virginia Beach was $120,766 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $92,968, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Virginia Beach
$120,766/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Virginia Beach
$92,968/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Virginia Beach income by age

In Virginia Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,243. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $114,422 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,447, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $75,184 in earnings. Overall, 91.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,447 3.7%
25 - 44 $93,243 3.7%
45 - 64 $114,422 1.4%
Over 65 $75,184 2.4%
Above poverty level
405,299
Below poverty level
38,149
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 405,299 91.4% -0.3%
Below poverty level 38,149 8.6% 2.7%

Average renter income in Virginia Beach

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Virginia Beach, their median household income was $61,265 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$61,265
Rent-to-income ratio
33.6%
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 Virginia Beach

Workforce and job types in Virginia Beach

The job market in Virginia Beach is powered by 220,728 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.6% run their own businesses, 61.9% are employed by private companies, and 20.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
220,728
-1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
184,963
Blue collar
35,765
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 184,963 83.8% -1.2%
Blue collar 35,765 16.2% -0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
9.6%
Private companies
61.9%
Governmental workers
20.2%
Not for profit companies
8.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 21,112 9.6% -1.6%
Private companies 136,651 61.9% -1.2%
Governmental workers 44,595 20.2% -2.0%
Not for profit companies 18,370 8.3% 2.8%
Unemployment rate
4.0%
-9.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Virginia Beach stands at 4%, 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 Virginia Beach

How people get around in Virginia Beach

In Virginia Beach, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 81.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
0.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 194,868 81.4% -2.7%
Taxicab 508 0.2% -24.7%
Bus or trolleybus 1,752 0.7% -4.6%
Subway or elevated 26 0% N/A
Railroad 66 0% 29.4%
Ferryboat 8 0% N/A
Motorcycle 252 0.1% 2.9%
Bicycle 899 0.4% 0.8%
Walk 3,928 1.6% -8.9%
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 Virginia Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
23451 44,012 21,741 $100,697 $144,457
23452 58,455 22,474 $79,085 $118,002
23453 34,482 12,681 $93,838 $110,525
23454 58,178 22,862 $102,796 $128,647
23455 49,977 20,822 $94,069 $120,485
23456 61,911 20,594 $130,533 $156,738
23457 4,814 1,695 $116,250 $132,095
23459 1,324 0 $0 $0
23460 1,041 0 $0 $0
23461 943 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about Virginia Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a total population of 456,349 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Virginia Beach?

The gender ratio in Virginia Beach is as follows:
  • 49% males (223,718 residents)
  • 51% females (232,631 residents)

What is the median age in Virginia Beach?

The median age in Virginia Beach is 37.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Virginia Beach?

The age distribution in Virginia Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (82,778 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (55,627 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.6% (135,286 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.1% (110,143 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.9% (72,515 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Virginia Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Virginia Beach is as follows:
  • White: 60.8% (277,439 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.8% (85,740 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (1,042 residents)
  • Asian: 7.2% (33,022 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (752 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.2% (46,554 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (11,800 residents)

What percentage of the population in Virginia Beach are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 88% of the population in Virginia Beach.

How many housing units are there in Virginia Beach?

There are 191,294 housing units in Virginia Beach, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Virginia Beach has a total of 179,851 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a median household income of $92,968, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Virginia Beach?

The employment rate is 96% in Virginia Beach, with a workforce of 220,728 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.8% (184,963 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.2% (35,765 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.6% (21,112 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.9% (136,651 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.2% (44,595 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.3% (18,370 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