Virginia is the 12th most populated state in the United States, with a population of approximately 8.4 million. At 452,745, Virginia Beach has the highest population in the state. The state’s capital, Richmond, and Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Alexandria, and Hampton are among the six other cities with populations of 100,000 or more. Thirty-one cities have a population of at least 10,000 but not more than 100,000 residents. Having 3,958 residents, Norton is Virginia’s smallest city in terms of population.

List of Top 10 Largest Cities in Virginia

1. Virginia Beach
2. Chesapeake
3. Arlington
4. Richmond
5. Norfolk
6. Newport News
7. Alexandria
8. Hampton
9. Suffolk
10. Portsmouth

1. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, the state’s largest city, with a population of more than 451,637, is still thriving as a popular seaside setting. Virginia Beach is a popular tourist destination and a bustling metropolis, distinguished by its beautiful beaches, varied attractions, and robust military presence. Despite the Virginia Beach Oceanfront drawing millions of tourists annually, tourism, security, and hospitality are the main drivers of the city’s economy. Its proximity to the shore also fosters a flourishing seafood sector and expanding marine-related enterprises.

Virginia Beach has a thriving healthcare, education, and technology industry in addition to tourism, and the local economy is supported by several sizable businesses and organizations. One of the biggest airfields in the U.S. Navy, Naval Air Station Oceana, is located in the city and contributes significantly to employment and economic stability.

It has a lot to offer in terms of culture, including outdoor activities, festivals, art galleries, and live music venues. The city’s parks, bike paths, and picturesque seaside sections are popular with both locals and tourists. The city is an attractive area to reside in because of its strong community, family-friendly atmosphere, and top-notch schools.

2. Chesapeake

Chesapeake, Virginia’s second biggest city, will have grown to a population of over 255,254. With its mix of urban and suburban living, Chesapeake, which is part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, offers a good standard of living along with plenty of green space and easy access to the area’s waterways. A wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, military, and agriculture, power the city’s economy. Major employers include the U.S. Navy, shipbuilding firms, and agricultural enterprises.

The Chesapeake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its natural splendor, which includes miles of lakes, rivers, and marshes. You may hike, canoe, and see birds at Great Bridge Locks Park and the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. Residents of the city may easily access a wider range of regional possibilities because of its close location to Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and other neighboring communities.

A booming employment market, a family-friendly lifestyle, and top-notch schools make Chesapeake a desirable area to live. It is a desirable place for people looking for a compromise between metropolitan conveniences and suburban peace and quiet because of its central position, affordable cost of lifestyle, and strong feeling of community. Chesapeake is still a thriving, growing metropolis in the center of Virginia’s coast.

3. Arlington

Arlington—one of Virginia’s biggest and most vibrant cities—remains a vital component of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region. Arlington, which has a population of around 240,548, is well-known for its thriving metropolitan environment, convenient location to the nation’s capital, and robust economic performance. Its status as an intersection for business, advancement, and policy stems from the fact that it is home to a large number of government agencies, nonprofits, and technological companies.

Arlington’s economy is varied, with a particular emphasis on professional services, information technology, and defense. It is ideally situated for both private sector companies and government-related sectors due to its close proximity to Washington, D.C. With several startups and well-established businesses situated there, the city is also a center for the technological and cybersecurity sectors.

Aside from its bustling commercial district, Arlington provides a high standard of living with a robust education system, plenty of parks and recreational spaces, and first-rate public transit alternatives. Families and young professionals alike find the city to be a desirable location to live because of its walkable neighborhoods and vibrant cultural environment.

4. Richmond

Virginia’s capital, Richmond, ranked fourth among the biggest and most significant cities in the state. Richmond, home to more than 230,017 people, is a vibrant center of commerce, government, culture, and history. With its numerous government buildings and legislative institutions, the state capital acts as Virginia’s political center. The city’s economy is booming as well, propelled by sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, law, finance, and education. Dominion Energy, the University of Richmond, and a number of financial firms are among the major employers.

Richmond, an important trading port during the Civil War, is ingrained in American history. Its museums, historical sites, and conserved architecture now draw tourists from all over the world. With a burgeoning artistic sector, live music spots, theaters, and yearly events like the Virginia State Fair and Richmond Folk Festival, the city has a rich cultural landscape.

Residents and tourists may enjoy a variety of food, beverage, and entertainment choices in the city’s restored downtown district, as well as recreational activities along the James River. There are also top-notch medical facilities, colleges, and schools in Richmond.

5. Norfolk

Norfolk, one of Virginia’s biggest cities, will continue to be an essential and critical component of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Having more than 228,643 residents, Norfolk is a vibrant city renowned for its varied economy, bustling port, and rich history. Being the location of Naval Station Norfolk, the biggest naval installation in the world, the city has a robust military presence that makes a substantial economic contribution. Norfolk is a major economic center in the area because of this, as well as important industries, including logistical services, shipping, healthcare, and education.

The city is a center of the arts and culture, home to several theaters, museums, and music venues, including the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Virginia Opera. A well-liked location for food, retail, and entertainment is the Waterside District, which runs beside the Elizabeth River. Excellent outdoor recreation choices are also available in Norfolk, such as the Norfolk Botanical Garden and neighboring beaches.

In recent years, Norfolk’s economy has become more diverse, with the startup, defense contracting, and technology sectors expanding. It is a desirable location for families and young professionals due to its restored downtown, reasonably priced homes, and prestigious colleges like Old Dominion University.

6. Newport News

Newport News, one of Virginia’s biggest cities, is still thriving as a significant center for history, shipbuilding, and defense. It is a major component of the Hampton Roads metropolitan region, which is situated along the James River and Chesapeake Bay and has a population of approximately 182,141. The biggest shipyard in the country, Newport News Shipbuilding, owned by Huntington Ingalls Industries, is the backbone of the city’s economy and is essential to the construction and upkeep of the U.S. Navy’s fleet.

Due to the city’s proximity to important military locations like Joint Base Langley-Eustis, the defense and military-related sectors are significant economic drivers. With the help of partnerships with organizations like Jefferson Lab, a preeminent physics research center, Newport News also has a burgeoning technology and research industry.

Newport News has a lot to offer both culturally and recreationally. While areas like Newport News Park offer plenty of room for outdoor activities, the city’s naval legacy is highlighted by the Mariners’ Museum, a top-tier maritime museum. Residents and tourists are connected to the city’s rich history through its historic landmarks, which include Lee Hall Mansion and Endview Plantation.

7. Alexandria

Alexandria, one of Virginia’s biggest cities, remains a strong historic metropolitan center with a population of more than 153,927. Alexandria is renowned for its rich history, quaint Old Town neighborhood, and close cultural and economic links to the nation’s capital. It is situated just over the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

The center of the city is Old Town Alexandria, which has cobblestone lanes, old buildings, and a charming shoreline with eateries, art galleries, and stores. Landmarks such as the George Washington Masonic National Memorial and Gadsby’s Tavern serve to further emphasize the city’s heritage. Due to its advantageous position, Alexandria is a popular place for professionals, and its economy is booming because of the government, technological advances, and defense industries.

Alexandria’s population is well-educated and diversified, thanks to its first-rate schools and extensive public transportation system, which includes Metro connection to Washington, D.C. Featuring parks along the Potomac and paths like the Mount Vernon Trail providing beautiful vistas and recreational opportunities, the city places a strong emphasis on green areas and outdoor activities.

8. Hampton

Hampton, a thriving seaside city with a rich history and a thriving economy, remains one of Virginia’s major cities. A major component of the Hampton Roads metropolitan region, Hampton is home to more than 137,037 people and is well-known for its waterfront attractions, military presence, and innovative aerospace.

The city is home to NASA’s Langley Research Center, an important center for space exploration and aeronautics research, as well as Langley Air Force Base, a significant employer and hub of military and aerospace activities. Together with healthcare, education, and tourism, these establishments are the main drivers of Hampton’s economy.

As one of the first English-speaking communities in the United States to be continually inhabited, Hampton has a rich history that is honored by sites like Fort Monroe and the Hampton History Museum. Fishing, boating, and taking in beautiful waterfront vistas are all made possible by the city’s location along the Chesapeake Bay.

Hampton’s cultural offerings include the Virginia Air and Space Science Center and yearly events like the Hampton Jazz Festival. It is an attractive area to reside in because of its great schools, family-friendly communities, and outdoor attractions.

9. Suffolk

Suffolk is still expanding and thriving in 2024 as a vibrant neighborhood that successfully combines urban growth with rural charm. With more than 102,628 residents, Suffolk is Virginia’s largest city in terms of land area, providing plenty of room for growth in the areas of agriculture, business, and housing.

Having a long history as the “Peanut Capital of the World,” agriculture continues to be a major part of Suffolk’s economy. Because of its close proximity to the Port of Virginia and important transportation arteries like Interstate 664, Suffolk boasts a flourishing industrial and logistics industry in addition to its agricultural heritage. Technology, distribution, and manufacturing companies have been drawn to this advantageous position.

Suffolk is a nature lover’s paradise because of its scenic surroundings and outdoor facilities. Hiking, birding, and kayaking are all possible in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and both families and tourists may enjoy the city’s parks and waterways. With local gatherings like the Suffolk Peanut Fest honoring its history, Suffolk also has a thriving arts and cultural scene.

10. Portsmouth

Portsmouth, one of Virginia’s biggest cities, remains a notable historic and thriving neighborhood in the Hampton Roads area. Portsmouth, which has a population of about 96,405, is renowned for its varied economy, strategic position, and historic marine past. It is a vital center for trade, shipping, and naval activities because of its deep-water port and close proximity to the Port of Virginia.

One of the biggest and oldest shipyards in the US, Norfolk Military Shipyard, is located in the city and contributes significantly to both the local economy and the country’s military readiness. Portsmouth’s healthcare and education sectors are expanding in addition to its defense and marine businesses, and the city benefits from establishments like Tidewater Community College and Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center.

Portsmouth’s historic Olde Towne neighborhood, with its cobblestone walkways, boutique stores, and waterfront restaurants, is the hub of the city’s cultural life. Two important destinations for families and art lovers are the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center and the Children’s Museum of Virginia.

Conclusion

The major cities of Virginia, such as Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, Alexandria, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, provide a wide range of historical, cultural, and economic significance. With its military presence, stunning coastline attractions, and tourism-driven economy, Virginia Beach, the biggest city, prospers. Because of its robust travel, defense, and industrial sectors, Norfolk and Chesapeake help to sustain the state’s economy. 

Richmond, the state capital, combines a burgeoning financial and technology industry with its rich heritage. Other communities with a significant history and extremely close proximity to Washington, D.C., are Hampton and Alexandria. Together, Virginia’s biggest cities provide a unique combination of history, opportunity, and thriving communities, which makes the state a desirable destination to live and work.

Rank	City	Population
1	Virginia Beach	451,637
2	Chesapeake	255,254
3	Arlington	240,548
4	Richmond	230,017
5	Norfolk	228,643
6	Newport News	182,141
7	Alexandria	153,927
8	Hampton	137,037
9	Suffolk	102,628
10	Portsmouth	96,405

FAQs

What Are the Top 10 Largest Cities in Virginia?

Here’s the list of the 10 largest cities in Virginia:

1. Virginia Beach
2. Chesapeake
3. Arlington
4. Richmond
5. Norfolk
6. Newport News
7. Alexandria
8. Hampton
9. Suffolk
10. Portsmouth

What is the Largest City in Virginia?

Virginia Beach is Virginia’s largest city, with a population of 451,637.

Is Virginia a Wealthy or Poor State?

Virginia is also one of the wealthiest states in the US, with a GDP per capita of $81,794, ranking 19th since 2023.

Is Virginia State a Decent Place to Live?

Virginia is an excellent location to live. It has all four seasons, a rich history, and stunning natural landscapes.

What is Virginia’s Fastest-growing City?

Earlysville has been Virginia’s fastest-growing city for the previous four years, rising at a rate of 7.73% each year until 2020.