Virginia Beach, VA Local Data & Statistics
Overview
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Demographics
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Income & Poverty
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Housing
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Race
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Ethnicity
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Commute
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Education
Note: Rent, income, and year built are shown as median values, while household size is shown as an average (see explanations below).
Data are sourced from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2024 release — the latest dataset currently available, with the exception of the unemployment rate, which is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ACS 5-year estimates are published annually, about 6–12 months after the end of each reference year.
Comparison of Virginia Beach, VA with: Virginia United States
Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia State
United States
| Metric | CityVirginia Beach, VA | StateVirginia | CountryUnited States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 456,349 | 8,705,170 | 334,922,499 |
| Rent | $1,714 | $1,579 | $1,413 |
| Year built | 1984 | 1984 | 1980 |
| Household income | $92,968 | $93,170 | $80,734 |
| Per capita income | $48,736 | $50,666 | $44,673 |
| Poverty rate | 8.6% | 9.9% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% | 2.8% | 4% |
View the complete comparison of Virginia Beach, VA, Virginia and United States →
Summary for Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach is located in Virginia.
In Virginia Beach, the typical monthly rent is $1,714 and the typical household income is $92,968. Rent here is higher than both Virginia and the U.S., and household income is similar to Virginia and higher than the U.S. The estimated poverty rate is 8.6%, which is lower than in both Virginia and national.
This area is primarily owner-occupied, with renters accounting for about 34.9% of households. About 51.4% of renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing, indicating high cost burden.
Educational attainment is high, with about 40.9% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is lower than both Virginia and the national rate.
Virginia Beach, VA — Rent vs Household Income
Virginia Beach, VA — Poverty vs Unemployment
How Virginia Beach, VA compares in Virginia (24 places)
| Metric | This place | Rank | Starts from | Statewide range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,714 | 21 / 24 | from lower rent | $996 – $2,089 |
| Household income | $92,968 | 5 / 24 | from higher income | $55,378 – $119,681 |
| Poverty rate | 8.6% | 3 / 24 | from lower poverty | 7.9% – 25.7% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.5% | 3 / 24 | from lower unemployment | 2.2% – 3.7% |
Rankings are calculated among cities and communities in Virginia with total population > 50,000 (year 2024).
Detailed Ranking Explanation for Virginia Beach, VA
Rent
In rent comparisons, Virginia Beach comes in 21st out of 24 large places. Across Virginia, rents vary from $996 in Roanoke, VA to $2,089 in Alexandria, VA.
Household income
Looking at household income, Virginia Beach places 5th out of 24 significant areas. Incomes across Virginia range between $55,378 in Roanoke, VA and $119,681 in Alexandria, VA.
Poverty rate
Virginia Beach places 3rd out of 24 large communities for poverty. Statewide figures move from 7.9% in Alexandria, VA up to 25.7% in Harrisonburg, VA.
Unemployment rate
Virginia Beach places 3rd among 24 large communities for unemployment. Statewide figures run from 2.2% to 3.7%.
💰 Rent in Virginia Beach, VA (with Utilities)
Estimated Monthly Rent: $1,714
What’s Included:
✅ Base rent, electricity, gas, water/sewer, and heating fuels
❌ Not included: internet, cable TV, renter's insurance, parking
Explanation: This estimate shows what renters typically pay each month for housing, including the apartment or home and essential utilities such as heat, water, and electricity. Even when utilities are billed separately, an estimated average cost for utilities is included, in line with the U.S. Census Bureau’s (ACS) definition of gross rent.
Included in this number: Rent plus electricity, gas, water/sewer, and heating fuel.
Not included: Internet, cable, parking, renter’s insurance, or furniture rental.
Note: This cost does not depend on the number of people living in the home.
👨👧👦 Household Income in Virginia Beach, VA
Annual Household Income: $92,968
Definition: This represents the middle value of all household incomes in this area — half of households earn less, and half earn more.
Includes: wages, salaries, self-employment income, Social Security, pensions, investments, unemployment, public assistance, and rental income.
Does NOT include: capital gains, non-cash benefits (like food stamps), or tax refunds.
Household = any group of people (or a single person) living in the same housing unit.
Example: A couple earning $40,000 and $30,000 together have a household income of $70,000. If that's in the middle of all local incomes, it's the value shown here.
📉 Poverty Rate in Virginia Beach, VA
Estimated Rate: 8.6%
Definition: The percentage of people in this area living below the federal poverty threshold.
How it works: The threshold is a dollar amount set by the U.S. Census Bureau that varies by family size and age. If a household's income is below that level, everyone in it is included in this rate.
Example: In a town of 10,000 people, if 1,500 have incomes below the poverty line, the poverty rate is 15%.
Note: This statistic only includes people living in households; it does not count those in student housing, military barracks, or nursing homes.
🏘️ Renter vs. Owner Households in Virginia Beach, VA
In Virginia Beach, VA, households that rent: 62,686 (34.9%)
| Household Type | Count | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Renter-Occupied | 62,686 | 34.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 117,165 | 65.1% |
Definition: This is the percentage of households that rent their home rather than own it. It includes only occupied housing units.
Why it matters: Areas with a high share of renter households often have younger populations, higher mobility, and different housing needs compared to mostly owner-occupied areas.
Example: If 65% of homes in an area are renter-occupied, it means 65 out of every 100 households rent their home.
📉 Renters Spending Over 30% of Income on Rent in Virginia Beach, VA
In Virginia Beach, VA, cost-burdened renters (households spending over 30% of income on housing): 32,210 (51.4%)
| Household Group | Households | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-burdened renters (over 30%) | 32,210 | 51.4% |
| Other renter households | 30,476 | 48.6% |
| Total renter households | 62,686 | 100% |
Shares are calculated as a percentage of renter households.
This shows how many renters in this area are considered cost-burdened — meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing (rent and basic utilities).
It’s a sign that housing might be unaffordable in the area or that lower-income residents may be struggling with rent.
Data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.
📊 Education Levels in Virginia Beach, VA
Less than High School: 82,264 people (25.9%)
Includes adults who did not complete high school.
High School Graduate or GED: 70,103 people (22%)
Includes adults whose highest education is a high school diploma or GED.
Some College or Associate Degree: 35,425 people (11.1%)
Includes adults who attended college without completing a bachelor’s degree (some college or associate degree).
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 130,152 people (40.9%)
Includes adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher (bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree).
👥 Total Adults (25+): 317,944
📊 Unemployment Rate in Virginia Beach, VA
Estimated Rate: 2.5%
Definition: The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who do not have a job but are actively looking for one.
Labor Force = Employed + Unemployed (aged 16+ and actively participating in the workforce).
Formula: (Unemployed ÷ Labor Force) × 100
Does NOT include: People who are retired, students not looking for work, homemakers, or otherwise not seeking employment.
Example: If there are 1000 people in the labor force and 80 are unemployed, then the unemployment rate is 8%.
ℹ️ Have questions about how these statistics are calculated? See our data methodology & FAQs
Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates (U.S. Census Bureau) — unemployment rate from BLS. Some values are derived metrics.