Suffolk, Virginia 2025

Suffolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is located on the east coast of southern Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 95,277. It is the largest city in Virginia by land area and the 14th largest in the country, but it is the 11th largest in population.

Suffolk was founded in 1742 as a port town on the Nansemond River and first became incorporated in 1805. In 1910, it was designated as an independent city from the surrounding Nansemond County and county seat.

As of the census of 2010, the population was 86,704. The racial makeup of the city was 51.6% white, 43.7% black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 1.4% from other races. There were 31,229 households with an average household size of 2.63.

At the 2019 American Community Survey conducted by the US Census Bureau, the median household income in Suffolk was $73,673. The per-capita income for the city was $34,554. The median value of owner-occupied housing units was $233,800.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located in part of Suffolk and part of Chesapeake. Its 112,000 acres include forests, marshes, and wetlands. The refuge is known for its bald eagles, American bald eagles, osprey, American alligators, and diamondback rattlesnakes. There are over 200 species of birds that have been documented. Live oak, loblolly pine, red maple, and wiildflowers prevail in the canopy and understory. The site has also discovered 17 native orchids.

The Chesapeake Arboretum, located in Suffolk, has 42 acres of natural beauty. It has multiple walking trails full of different types of plants, shrubs, and trees.

The Suffolk Center, located on Pinner Street, presents live performances and musical events.

The Suffolk Museum started in 1977 and displays and interprets the history and culture of Suffolk through its exhibits.

The Riddick’s Folly House Museum is a historic home that was built in 1805 for William H. Riddick. It was built in the colonial style but features some elements of Greek revival. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Mount Zion Cemetery is located on a rise just outside of what was originally intended to be the center of Suffolk. It was established in 1802. The cemetery was the first public burial ground and quickly filled up. In the 1820s, a new public burial ground was purchased, and in 1873, became Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Since 1976, the city of Suffolk has been served by a city manager form of government. People elect the city council for four-year staggered terms. The council, in turn, appoints a professional city manager who is responsible for daily operations.

Suffolk, Virginia, has a relatively low cost of living index of 72.2. The average home price in Suffolk is $137,000, while the National Home price is $266,300.

The nearest airport to Suffolk is the Norfolk International Airport which is located about 30 miles from Suffolk.

Suffolk also hosts the Great Dismal Swamp Stampede, a 5K run, 1-Mile Fun Run, and health fair. The proceeds go toward funding projects in the Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Programs department. At the Suffolk Peanut Fest, locals sell handmade crafts, and there is live music, entertainment, beverages, and plenty of peanut butter.