Living in Suffolk, VA
Suffolk is the 321st-largest city in the US, home to about 105,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 10.9% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (97.9 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 104,699+10.9% since 2020
- Median home value
- $347,4003.7 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,563/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $92,666median, per year
- Price level
- 97.9US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 50° / 89°lows 34° / 73°
- Average commute
- 30 min11% work from home
- State income tax
- 5.75%top rate, graduated
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County: Suffolk city
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 49 ft
Metro area: Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Cost of living in Suffolk
The median home in Suffolk is worth $347,400 and the median household earns $92,666 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.7 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,563 a month, about 20% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area at 97.9, with housing at 99.8 and goods at 96.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $73,500 here. Virginia taxes wages at a top rate of 5.75%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Virginia is 5.77%.
What would my salary be worth in Suffolk?
Suffolk weather
Average highs run from 50°F in January to 89°F in July, and January nights average 34°F. It gets 46 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 3 inches of snow. Expect about 42 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are April to May and October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Suffolk
People and work
The median resident is 38.7 years old, and 33% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 71% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 30 minutes; 11% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 38.7409th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 33%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 71%of households
- People per sq mile
- 262399.2 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%1% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 5%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 9.4%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1996median year
Who moves to Suffolk, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from San Diego (San Diego County), Honolulu (Honolulu County) and Jacksonville (Duval County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to San Diego (San Diego County), Jacksonville (Duval County) and Raleigh (Wake County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
FEMA rating for Suffolk County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, drought.
Home prices
+3.6% in a year
Up 43% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
78% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Pros and cons of living in Suffolk
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 3.7 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data The city is growing fast (+10.9% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
- Data Low natural hazard risk: FEMA rates Suffolk County relatively low overall.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Suffolk report card from locals
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Suffolk through locals' eyes
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Cities near Suffolk
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth, VA | 12 mi | 96,777 | $246,900 | 97.9 | Compare |
| Hampton, VA | 17 mi | 137,315 | $245,700 | 97.9 | Compare |
| Norfolk, VA | 17 mi | 231,013 | $289,900 | 97.9 | Compare |
| Chesapeake, VA | 17 mi | 255,332 | $378,400 | 97.9 | Compare |
| Newport News, VA | 21 mi | 183,230 | $260,600 | 97.9 | Compare |
| Virginia Beach, VA | 30 mi | 453,737 | $382,500 | 97.9 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Suffolk ranks 3rd of 10 in our best suburbs of Virginia Beach ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Suffolk with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Suffolk a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show homes that cost under four years of median income, a growing population; the trade-offs are long commutes. Compare Suffolk side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Suffolk?
The Census Bureau estimates Suffolk had 104,699 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 94,431 in April 2020 (+10.9%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Suffolk?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $73,500 in the Suffolk area. The median household here earns $92,666.
When is the best time to visit Suffolk?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to May and October are the most comfortable months. July averages 89°F and January 50°F for daytime highs.
What county is Suffolk in?
Suffolk is in Suffolk city, Virginia. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Suffolk in?
Suffolk is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Suffolk?
About 49 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Virginia have a state income tax?
Yes. Virginia has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 5.75% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Suffolk. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Norfolk NAS, VA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.