Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Suffolk, VA
Considering a move to Suffolk, VA? This growing city of 98,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $327,000 and average rents near $1,380. Suffolk boasts a mild climate with 62% sunny days, a moderate cost of living, and convenient commutes averaging 29 minutes. Families will find a strong owner-occupied housing rate and a choice of quality public and private schools, while crime rates remain lower than many urban areas. Explore Suffolk's friendly neighborhoods, local amenities, and easy access to both nature and nearby Hampton Roads cities.
Demographics - Suffolk, VA
Demographics - Suffolk, VA
Suffolk, VA is home to approximately 98,000 residents, featuring a balanced mix of White and Black communities and a median age close to 40. The city has a moderate population density and a diverse population, with about 7.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Suffolk offers a blend of urban and suburban living, making it appealing to families and professionals alike.
Population:
98,000
Density:
240 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.9
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
47.2%
Black:
41.2%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
9.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Suffolk, VA?
The cost of living in Suffolk is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $327,000 and average rent around $1,380. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and state income taxes range from 2% to 5.75%. Overall, Suffolk offers a comfortable lifestyle without the high price tag of larger metropolitan areas.
Median House Value:
$327,000
Gross Rent:
$1,380
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$128
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,710
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$575
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
101.7
Grocery:
98.5
Housing:
92.6
Utilities:
103.2
Transportation:
99.4
Health Care:
97.9
Miscellaneous:
99.7
Crime
Is Suffolk, VA a safe place to live?
Suffolk enjoys relatively low crime rates, with only 263 violent crimes and 1,828 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is about 1 in 380, making the city safer than many urban counterparts. Residents benefit from a secure environment that supports families and community engagement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
263
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,828
Crime Index:
2,091
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 380
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 55
Weather
What is the weather like in Suffolk, VA year-round?
Suffolk experiences a mild climate, with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and winters rarely dropping below 33°F. The city receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 62% of the year. This pleasant weather supports year-round outdoor recreation and an active lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
51°F

Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Suffolk residents benefit from a median household income of $81,800 and a family income just under $100,000, while the poverty rate is relatively low at 10.2%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average around 29 minutes, reflecting the city's blend of suburban comfort and accessibility.
Median Income:
$41,700
Household Income:
$81,800
Family Income:
$97,200
Per Capita Income:
$36,000
Income Male:
$53,800
Income Female:
$44,100
Poverty Rate:
10.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,380
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
28.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.9%
Bachelors or More:
28.7%
Education
How are the schools in Suffolk, VA?
Suffolk provides a range of quality educational options, including top-rated public schools like Nansemond River High School and private institutions such as Nansemond-Suffolk Academy. The area is also home to Paul D. Camp Community College, with additional higher education opportunities nearby in Norfolk. Families benefit from a strong focus on student achievement and accessible learning environments.

Public Schools
Name:
Nansemond River High School
Street:
3301 Nansemond Pkwy
Phone:
757-923-4101
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
John Yeates Middle School
Street:
4901 Bennetts Pasture Rd
Phone:
757-923-4105
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8

Private Schools
Name:
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy
Street:
3373 Pruden Blvd
Phone:
757-539-8789
Students:
900

Colleges
Name:
Paul D. Camp Community College
City:
Suffolk
State:
VA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,300
Name:
Old Dominion University
City:
Norfolk
State:
VA
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
24,000
Healthcare
Suffolk offers quality healthcare services, anchored by major facilities like Sentara Obici Hospital and Bon Secours Health Center, both providing emergency care. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% of people having health insurance, access to medical care is strong. The city’s healthcare index reflects above-average service for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sentara Obici Hospital
Address:
2800 Godwin Blvd, Suffolk, VA 23434
Phone:
(757) 934-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Bon Secours Health Center at Harbour View
Address:
5818 Harbour View Blvd, Suffolk, VA 23435
Phone:
(757) 673-5800
Type:
Outpatient & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
75.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Suffolk, VA?
The Suffolk housing market is robust, with a median home price of $327,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of 71%. Rents for a two-bedroom average $1,380, and the city has seen a healthy 5.2% home appreciation rate over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates make Suffolk an attractive and stable place to buy or rent a home.
Median Home Price:
$327,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,380
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Suffolk are served by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles branch located on Holladay Street. The DMV offers essential licensing, registration, and vehicle services, with resources easily accessible both in-person and online. This ensures convenient support for all transportation and documentation needs.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
268 Holladay St, Suffolk, VA 23434
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.