Norfolk population
Norfolk, Virginia had an estimated 231,013 residents on July 1, 2025, the 103rd-largest city in the US. That is down 4.9% since the 2010 Census and down 1.5% since 2000.
- Population, July 2025
- 231,013-3% since April 2020
- People per sq mile
- 4,33653.3 sq mi of land
- Median age
- 32.713% are 65 or older
- Households with kids
- 27%with anyone under 18
Population by year, 2000 to 2025
| Year | Population | Change | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 231,013 | -92 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2024 | 231,105 | -1,757 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2023 | 232,862 | -98 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2022 | 232,960 | -2,131 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2021 | 235,091 | -2,999 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2020 | 238,090 | -5,491 | April 2020 estimates base |
| 2019 | 243,581 | -587 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2018 | 244,168 | -740 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2017 | 244,908 | -1,134 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2016 | 246,042 | -625 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2015 | 246,667 | -89 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2014 | 246,756 | +1,158 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2013 | 245,598 | -649 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2012 | 246,247 | +2,546 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2011 | 243,701 | +898 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2010 | 242,803 | +1,078 | 2010 Census (April 1) |
| 2009 | 241,725 | +524 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2008 | 241,201 | -47 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2007 | 241,248 | -2,158 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2006 | 243,406 | +3,756 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2005 | 239,650 | -4,186 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2004 | 243,836 | +4,550 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2003 | 239,286 | -2,418 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2002 | 241,704 | +5,215 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2001 | 236,489 | +2,026 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2000 | 234,463 | April 2000 estimates base |
Year-to-year changes across 2010 and 2020 mix census counts with estimates, so small jumps at those years are partly method changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Norfolk in 2025?
The Census Bureau estimates Norfolk had 231,013 residents on July 1, 2025, making it the 103rd-largest city in the US.
Is Norfolk growing?
No. Norfolk has shrunk 4.9% since the 2010 Census (242,803 people), and shrunk 3% since 2020.
What was the population of Norfolk in 2000?
About 234,463 (the Census Bureau's April 2000 estimates base). By the 2010 Census it was 242,803.
How dense is Norfolk?
Norfolk has about 4,336 people per square mile of land (53.3 square miles).
More about Norfolk
See cost of living, jobs and commutes in Norfolk, Norfolk weather by month, or every Norfolk ZIP code. For the biggest cities in the country, see the largest US cities.