Norfolk city
Virginia

What stands out

Three things set Norfolk city apart from the other 3,142 counties: homeownership is among the lowest in America (45%), home internet speed is in the top 2% of American counties (314 Mbps), and natural-hazard risk is in the top 8% of American counties (92 of 100). Within Virginia it ranks 10th of 133 counties for homeownership, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Norfolk city, Virginia. 236,973 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -3,214).

Virginia has a graduated income tax with a 5.75% top rate that begins at just $17,000 of income, so most residents pay near the top rate. It does not tax Social Security and allows an age deduction of up to $12,000 for residents 65 and over. Northern Virginia's federal and defense economy produces incomes closer to the Washington suburbs of Maryland than to the rest of the state. Localities levy annual property tax on vehicles.

Money

The typical household here brings in $60,998 a year, higher than 51% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $72,432. Unemployment runs 3.5%, higher than 55% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 21 minutes each way.

Virginia takes 5.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,250 a year.

Home

The median home costs $313K, pricier than 72% of American counties, about 3.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,154 a month. Property tax is 1.02% of home value, roughly $2,586 a year on that median home, higher than 61% of American counties. 45% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 58% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 25 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.0 years, shorter than 70% of American counties. There are 1,491 active physicians in the county, about 62.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.5 of 5 stars. 9.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.98 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 52% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 44 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 48% of eligible voters turned out. Under Virginia law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is legal with limits, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 61°F, highs near 70 and lows near 53, warmer than 72% of American counties. About 44 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 92 out of 100, riskier than 92% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 314 Mbps down, faster than 98% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.9 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 5 breweries, 5 museums.