Moving to Virginia statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Virginia?

Approximately 276,161 people moved to Virginia in 2023, while 253,240 moved out. This represents a positive net migration of 22,921 residents. Compared to other states on the Atlantic coast, including North and South Carolina, Virginia saw less positive migration in 2023.

While Virginia is still a popular move-in destination, the rising cost of living has made it less desirable than some of its neighbors. Today, the state ranks near the middle of the pack. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Virginia ranked as the 19th most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Virginia

Virginia ranks as the 13th best U.S. state to move to in 2024, according to weighted data on factors like affordability and quality of life. This high ranking is juxtaposed with low migration compared to the neighboring Carolinas, which have seen three to five times higher positive net migration in recent years.

People moving to Virginia are mainly drawn to the areas surrounding Washington, D.C., Richmond and Norfolk, including suburbs and coastal cities. Suffolk attracted the most new residents, adding 6,289 (6.7% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Chesapeake and Richmond also saw population increases of 4,517 and 2,699 people, respectively.

Smaller towns outside of D.C. like Leesburg and Fairfax also ranked among the top five, attracting 1,063 and 997 residents, respectively. The percentage growth in these locations was also slightly higher than in some larger cities.

The top five locales in Virginia people moved to between 2020 and 2023 are as follows:

Why do people move to Virginia?

With beautiful geography, countless job opportunities and easy access to Washington, D.C., there are many reasons why people move to Virginia. Migration is generally split between older retirees and younger job seekers, with the former preferring Richmond and the Chesapeake Bay, while the latter are drawn to a variety of locations.

The largest industries in the state are professional and business services, government, and trade, transportation, and utilities. Collectively, these industries employ nearly 53% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is construction, growing by 5.4% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Virginia housing statistics

With a median rent price of approximately $1,755 and a median home sale price of $442,500, Virginia renters and homeowners can expect to pay 5.3% more than the national median for housing.

Virginia has the 22nd lowest property taxes in the country, at 0.87%. The tax rate here is just under half that of Connecticut (1.79%) and the same as Washington state.

Taxes paid in Virginia vary greatly by county. In 2021, the average property owner in Arlington County paid $6,845 in annual property taxes, while residents in McDowell County paid as little as $237 that same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in Virginia

Virginia’s cost-of-living index is 103.1, making it slightly more expensive than the national average. Gas prices in the state follow this trend — higher than the national average ($3.26) at $3.34 per gallon. The state has very little oil and gas production compared to its neighbor, West Virginia, but ranks as the 22nd most green state in the country.

Though Virginia has a higher-than-average cost of living, the state’s median household income of $87,514 helps offset the cost. The typical household here earns over 16% more than the national median of $75,358. The unemployment rate of 2.7% is also lower than the national average of 4.2%.

Overall, Virginia boasts a high median household income and a slightly higher-than-average cost of living, making it a desirable relocation destination.

Who lives in Virginia?

An estimated 8,715,698 people live in Virginia as of 2023, making it the 12th largest state in the nation in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 36,599 people compared to 2022, slightly more than the increase of 33,783 from the year prior.

Virginia’s population skews female, with women accounting for 50.6% of residents and men accounting for 49.4%. In 2023, approximately 4.41 million Virginia residents were female, and 4.31 million were male.

On average, Virginia's population is also slightly older (39.2 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 and 44 years old, accounting for 26.7% of the population. This demographic is just slightly higher than the share of those between 45 and 64 years old, who account for 25.7% of the population.

White residents account for the largest share of Virginians, representing 68.3% of the population (5.95 million people). The state also has a large share of Black residents compared to many other states, representing 20% of the population (about 1.74 million people). This is followed by Hispanic and Asian residents, who account for 11.2% and 7.4% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Virginia

Not sure how to start your move to Virginia? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

With property taxes that can range from just north of $200 to over $6,000 annually, saying there’s a cost disparity in Virginia is putting it lightly. Northern and coastal Virginia are generally much more expensive than rural, Southern regions. Before relocating, research specific neighborhoods to create an accurate budget that includes housing, utilities and transportation costs. For more detailed information, visit Virginia.gov.

2. Learn about the job market

With several areas within commuting distance to Washington, D.C., and many booming cities of its own, Virginia offers a robust job market for movers. Whether you’re interested in government contracting, technology or health care, you can find high-paying work in the Old Dominion. Before moving, explore job opportunities in your field by utilizing online job boards and resources from the Virginia Employment Commission. Understanding the economic landscape of your desired area can help you secure a job that fits your career goals.

3. Prepare for the ever-changing seasons

Virginia experiences all four seasons, especially in the Western mountainous regions where snow can pile up fast. Preparing for snow and ice during winter is essential, just as preparing for the 90-degree summer heat is as well. Ensure your new home is equipped for year-round comfort by investing in proper heating and cooling systems, and don’t forget to prep your car for the winter. Check local weather patterns on the National Weather Service to stay prepared.

4. Review transportation options

Access to public transportation varies widely by region in Virginia, with urban areas like Richmond, Norfolk and more offering buses and metro lines. In more rural regions, especially mountainous areas, personal vehicles are needed for effective travel. Research local transit options and road conditions using the Virginia Department of Transportation website.

5. Be aware of natural hazards

Virginia experiences a few natural hazards to be aware of, including hurricanes, floods and winter storms. If you’re moving to a coastal area, prepare ahead of time for the hurricane season, which extends from June to November. Inland residents, on the other hand, should always be mindful of flooding during heavy rainfall. Familiarize yourself with local emergency management resources like the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to prepare for any unexpected weather events.

6. Embrace the culture and history

On top of gorgeous beaches and mountains, Virginia offers one of the oldest and richest histories in the country. Founded in 1607, Jamestown is one of the oldest U.S. colonial sights you can visit. You can explore anything from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the historic towns of Williamsburg and Alexandria. We recommend embracing local traditions, cuisine and activities to make the most of your move.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Virginia, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.