Largest cities in Virginia

Access hyperlocal data to help you make a confident and informed decision.

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: 463,341 Livability Score: 84

Area Size: 634 KM² Density (sq mi): 1,893 Med. Household Income: $117,579

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.

Chesapeake Population: 251,202 Livability Score: 70

Area Size: 877 KM² Density (sq mi): 742 Med. Household Income: $120,568

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.

Norfolk Population: 250,142 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 138 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,695 Med. Household Income: $79,127

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.

Arlington Population: 244,812 Livability Score: 86

Area Size: 67 KM² Density (sq mi): 9,413 Med. Household Income: $180,343

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: 237,217 Livability Score: 84

Area Size: 155 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,959 Med. Household Income: $75,137

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: 184,134 Livability Score: 75

Area Size: 179 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,665 Med. Household Income: $79,966

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: 164,023 Livability Score: 81

Area Size: 39 KM² Density (sq mi): 10,983 Med. Household Income: $151,283

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: 138,888 Livability Score: 75

Area Size: 133 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,698 Med. Household Income: $85,788

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: 102,987 Livability Score: 73

Area Size: 110 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,422 Med. Household Income: $68,155

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: 98,194 Livability Score: 73

Area Size: 86 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,949 Med. Household Income: $77,881

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	463,341	634	$117,579	84
2	Chesapeake	251,202	877	$120,568	70
3	Norfolk	250,142	138	$79,127	83
4	Arlington	244,812	67	$180,343	86
5	Richmond	237,217	155	$75,137	84
6	Newport News	184,134	179	$79,966	75
7	Alexandria	164,023	39	$151,283	81
8	Hampton	138,888	133	$85,788	75
9	Roanoke	102,987	110	$68,155	73
10	Portsmouth	98,194	86	$77,881	73
11	Suffolk	93,841	1,034	$117,172	78
12	Lynchburg	83,703	127	$72,552	91
13	Centreville	77,124	31	$181,788	84
14	Dale City	74,814	37	$145,070	81
15	Reston	63,840	40	$184,635	88
16	Leesburg	55,694	32	$169,838	86
17	Harrisonburg	54,682	45	$72,140	84
18	Tuckahoe	49,974	53	$119,309	75
19	McLean	49,909	64	$327,457	81
20	Charlottesville	48,748	27	$88,197	85
21	Lake Ridge	46,761	24	$152,811	82
22	Ashburn	45,717	44	$194,143	84
23	Burke	45,553	22	$226,476	84
24	Blacksburg	45,402	51	$61,128	88
25	Woodbridge	43,930	4	$113,706	72
26	Annandale	43,136	20	$152,538	86
27	Linton Hall	43,050	33	$225,200	74
28	Manassas	42,659	26	$126,620	85
29	Danville	41,783	111	$56,373	77
30	Marumsco	40,366	19	$99,144	79
31	Mechanicsville	38,496	73	$113,563	73
32	Oakton	37,413	25	$208,965	78
33	Fair Oaks	35,261	13	$165,293	82
34	Springfield	33,971	20	$156,555	90
35	South Riding	33,596	18	$247,711	73
36	West Falls Church	32,420	13	$168,958	82
37	Petersburg	31,836	59	$65,079	61
38	Sterling	31,816	14	$152,196	80
39	Fredericksburg	29,849	27	$103,458	67
40	Winchester	28,825	24	$90,472	73
41	Short Pump	27,939	23	$156,999	91
42	Salem	26,071	38	$95,075	77
43	Cave Spring	25,814	31	$100,194	76
44	Staunton	25,543	52	$77,763	81
45	Herndon	25,119	11	$165,943	85
46	Chantilly	24,744	31	$196,505	79
47	West Springfield	24,524	12	$187,867	75
48	Bailey's Crossroads	24,246	5	$103,291	82
49	Fairfax	24,037	16	$162,904	87
50	Lincolnia	23,261	12	$156,386	78

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

Well Below nat. avg.
Below nat. avg.
Similar to nat. avg.
Above nat. avg.
Well above nat. avg.

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.