Largest cities in Virginia

Virginia, known for its rich history and diverse landscapes, is a state that offers a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 8.5 million, it ranks as the 12th most populated state in the U.S. Virginia has experienced steady population growth, driven by its appealing living conditions and economic opportunities. Bordered by Maryland and Washington, D.C. to the north and east, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, North Carolina and Tennessee to the south, and Kentucky and West Virginia to the west, Virginia offers a variety of urban and rural living environments across its roughly 229 cities and towns.

Living in Virginia provides residents with numerous advantages, including access to top-tier education, a strong job market, and a rich cultural scene. The state's moderate population density allows for vibrant community life and ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Virginia's economy is diverse, with strengths in technology, healthcare, and government. The state's steady population growth supports sustainable development and economic stability. The AreaVibes list of the largest cities in Virginia, based on data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, offers a comprehensive overview of Virginia cities by population, highlighting the state's most significant urban centers.

Virginia Beach Population: 450,882 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 634 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,842 Med. Household Income: $78,136

Virginia Beach, VA, known as 'The Resort City,' offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and urban amenities. Located in southeastern Virginia, Virginia Beach is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Norfolk and Chesapeake enhance its status as a central point in the Hampton Roads region. Virginia Beach's blend of scenic beaches, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Norfolk Population: 244,300 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 138 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,586 Med. Household Income: $53,026

Norfolk, VA, known as 'The Mermaid City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in southeastern Virginia, Norfolk is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Virginia Beach and Chesapeake enhance its status as a central point in the region. Norfolk's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Chesapeake Population: 242,647 Livability Score: 69

Area Size: 877 KM² Density (sq mi): 717 Med. Household Income: $81,261

Chesapeake, VA, known as 'A Great Place to Live,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in southeastern Virginia, Chesapeake is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Norfolk and Virginia Beach enhance its status as a central point in the region. Chesapeake's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Arlington Population: 236,434 Livability Score: 86

Area Size: 67 KM² Density (sq mi): 9,095 Med. Household Income: $122,604

Arlington, VA, known as 'The American Dream City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in the northern part of Virginia, Arlington is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Washington, D.C. and Alexandria enhance its status as a central point in the region. Arlington's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Richmond Population: 229,233 Livability Score: 84

Area Size: 155 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,825 Med. Household Income: $51,421

Richmond, VA, known as 'The River City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in the central part of Virginia, Richmond is a large city that serves as the state capital and a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Washington, D.C. and Virginia Beach enhance its status as a central point in the region. Richmond's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Newport News Population: 179,582 Livability Score: 76

Area Size: 179 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,603 Med. Household Income: $54,511

Newport News, VA, known as "The Shipbuilding Capital," is a historic city with a rich maritime heritage. Located in southeastern Virginia along the James River, Newport News is approximately 30 miles north of Norfolk and 70 miles southeast of Richmond. This medium-sized city is renowned for its shipbuilding industry, vibrant cultural scene, and strategic military importance.

Alexandria Population: 158,309 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 39 KM² Density (sq mi): 10,600 Med. Household Income: $102,227

Alexandria, VA, known as "The Historic Seaport City," is a charming community with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Located along the western bank of the Potomac River, Alexandria is approximately 7 miles south of Washington, D.C., and 45 miles north of Richmond. This medium-sized city is celebrated for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, beautiful waterfront, and thriving arts community.

Hampton Population: 135,169 Livability Score: 74

Area Size: 133 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,627 Med. Household Income: $57,041

Hampton, VA, known as 'The City on the Bay,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in Hampton Roads, Hampton is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Norfolk (20 miles) and Newport News (10 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Hampton's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Roanoke Population: 99,122 Livability Score: 74

Area Size: 110 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,331 Med. Household Income: $45,664

Roanoke, VA, known as 'The Star City of the South,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in the Roanoke Valley, Roanoke is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Lynchburg (56 miles) and Blacksburg (43 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Roanoke's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Portsmouth Population: 94,961 Livability Score: 72

Area Size: 86 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,852 Med. Household Income: $53,213

Portsmouth, VA, known as 'The Seaport City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in Hampton Roads, Portsmouth is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Norfolk (4 miles) and Virginia Beach (20 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Portsmouth's blend of scenic waterfronts, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Full list of the largest cities in Virginia

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Virginia Beach	450,882	634	$78,136	83
2	Norfolk	244,300	138	$53,026	81
3	Chesapeake	242,647	877	$81,261	69
4	Arlington	236,434	67	$122,604	86
5	Richmond	229,233	155	$51,421	84
6	Newport News	179,582	179	$54,511	76
7	Alexandria	158,309	39	$102,227	83
8	Hampton	135,169	133	$57,041	74
9	Roanoke	99,122	110	$45,664	74
10	Portsmouth	94,961	86	$53,213	72
11	Suffolk	91,383	1,034	$79,899	77
12	Lynchburg	80,970	127	$49,201	91
13	Centreville	74,230	31	$121,322	83
14	Dale City	72,062	37	$97,185	78
15	Reston	61,418	40	$121,563	88
16	Leesburg	53,731	32	$113,933	86
17	Harrisonburg	53,558	45	$49,117	84
18	McLean	48,566	64	$222,587	81
19	Tuckahoe	48,517	53	$81,170	74
20	Charlottesville	47,217	27	$59,598	83
21	Lake Ridge	45,111	24	$103,608	81
22	Blacksburg	44,395	51	$41,711	89
23	Ashburn	44,090	44	$132,582	84
24	Burke	44,077	22	$149,833	84
25	Woodbridge	42,517	4	$76,846	71
26	Annandale	42,240	20	$101,121	85
27	Linton Hall	41,426	33	$149,824	73
28	Manassas	41,038	26	$86,227	84
29	Danville	40,668	111	$37,147	77
30	Marumsco	38,815	19	$65,799	77
31	Mechanicsville	37,141	73	$77,291	72
32	Oakton	36,468	25	$138,598	77
33	Fair Oaks	34,466	13	$112,281	82
34	Springfield	32,960	20	$103,438	89
35	South Riding	32,526	18	$168,738	73
36	West Falls Church	31,262	13	$111,691	83
37	Sterling	30,872	14	$101,079	79
38	Petersburg	30,791	59	$43,029	63
39	Fredericksburg	29,059	27	$69,528	67
40	Winchester	27,912	24	$61,102	74
41	Short Pump	27,385	23	$106,766	90
42	Salem	25,290	38	$63,411	78
43	Cave Spring	25,193	31	$68,225	76
44	Staunton	24,660	52	$52,292	80
45	Herndon	24,577	11	$112,644	85
46	Chantilly	23,820	31	$131,071	79
47	West Springfield	23,775	12	$127,578	74
48	Bailey's Crossroads	23,459	5	$70,526	81
49	Fairfax	23,312	16	$109,708	87
50	Woodlawn	22,620	6	$73,507	70

Methodology

To compile the list of the largest cities in Virginia, AreaVibes used census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey releases updated estimates annually, offering a valuable resource for understanding the evolving dynamics within communities. These estimates are crucial for officials, community leaders, businesses, and local residents as they provide insights into demographic, economic, and social changes. By analyzing ACS data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, plan for future developments, and address the needs of their communities effectively. The detailed population information from the ACS helps track trends, allocate resources, and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Map of the population Density by State

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The map above serves as an excellent tool for discovering the most and least densely populated states across the United States. By highlighting both the states with the highest and lowest population density, it offers a comprehensive view of the nation's demographic landscape. This visual representation allows users to easily compare different regions, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering relocation or investment opportunities. Living in high density states could give you access to the following benefits: additional economic opportunities, enhanced amenities, improved health care, better infrastructure and technological advancement. Less densely poupulated states on the other hand, often have a lower cost of living, reduced traffic, closer-knit communities, abundant natural spaces and lower crime rates.