Suffolk, Virginia
Suffolk: The most populous city in Suffolk County, Virginia.
About
Suffolk is a city located in the county of City of Suffolk in the U.S. state of Virginia. Its population at the 2010 census was 84,585 and a population density of 76 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 93,913 inhabitants.
The city was created 284 years ago in 1741.
Suffolk is an independent city located in the Hampton Roads region of southeastern Virginia. It was formed in 1974 through the consolidation of the cities of Suffolk and Nansemond.
The area was first settled by English colonists in the 17th century. Early industry revolved around peanut processing, lumber, and shipbuilding. In the 19th century, cotton farming drove the local economy.
Suffolk grew significantly in the 1960s and 70s with the rise of suburban development. Today it remains an important agricultural hub as well as a bedroom community for Hampton Roads.
Key Local Industries and Attractions
Major industries and top sites in Suffolk include:
- Agriculture - cotton, peanuts, soybeans
- Logistics and warehousing - classic distribution hub
- Manufacturing - plastics, machinery, defense contracting
- Retail - Harbour View shopping district
- Tourism - Suffolk Seaboard Station railroad museum, Great Dismal Swamp trails
Popular attractions are the Suffolk Art Gallery, Bennett's Creek Park, and the Suffolk Peanut Fest held each fall.
Demographics and Local Culture
Suffolk has an estimated population of 93,913 people as of 2020. The population is ethnically diverse with nearly 40% African American residents. About 20% of residents are under 18.
The culture of Suffolk reflects its agrarian roots, railroad history, and growing diversity. Community events range from country fairs to festivals celebrating African American and Caribbean heritage. Suffolk provides a friendly small-city atmosphere with natural and historic charm.
With its location, affordability, and family-friendly vibe, Suffolk offers appealing lifestyle and recreational options in southeastern Virginia.
Quick Facts about Suffolk
| Population | 93,913 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Virginia (United States) |
| County | City of Suffolk |
| Different from | Suffolk County, Suffolk County |
| Postal code | 23432–23439 |
| Phone Area Codes | 757 |
| Area | 1110.86 km2 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 36.7284,-76.5850 |
| Named for | Suffolk |
| Altitude | 36 feet / 11 meters |
| Establishment | January 01, 1742 (284 years ago) |
| Time Zone | America/New_York |
| Local time | 13:59:26 (6th May 2026) |
| Density | 85 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 9.93% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 81℉ Mostly Cloudy then Slight Chance Rain Showers 7-days weather |
Geography
Suffolk is located at 36°43'42"N 76°35'6"W (36.7283600, -76.5849600). It has 7 neighbors: Camden County, Gates County, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight County, Newport News, Portsmouth and Southampton County.
Suffolk map
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Weather
A slight chance of rain showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of pre...
7-Day ForecastOfficial website of Suffolk
Official WebsiteDemographics
The population of Suffolk increased by 9.93% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 84,585 | - | census |
| 2011 | 84,750 | 0.19% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 85,251 | 0.59% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 85,751 | 0.58% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 86,882 | 1.3% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 88,079 | 1.36% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 89,194 | 1.25% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 90,108 | 1.01% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 90,975 | 0.95% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 92,108 | 1.23% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 93,913 | 1.92% | estimation process |
Best Things to Do in Suffolk
1Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
3120 Desert Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434, United States View details
Phone: +17579863705 | Website available
2Lake Meade Park
201 Holly Lawn Pkwy, Suffolk, VA 23434, United States View details
Phone: +17575147250 | Website available
3Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum
326 N Main St, Suffolk, VA 23434, United States View details
Phone: +17575144135 | Website available
4Suffolk Parks & Recreation
134 S 6th St, Suffolk, VA 23434, United States View details
Phone: +17575147250 | Website available
5Lone Star Lakes Park
401 Kings Hwy, Suffolk, VA 23432, United States View details
Phone: +17572554032
Services and Civic Places in Suffolk
1Suffolk City Hall
442 W Washington St, Suffolk, VA 23434 View details
Phone: +17575144000 | Website available
2Suffolk City Municipal Center
442 W Washington St, Suffolk, VA 23434 View details
Phone: +17575144000 | Website available
3Suffolk City Attorney
442 W Washington St, Suffolk, VA 23434 View details
Phone: +17575147130
4Suffolk City Manager
441 Market St, Suffolk, VA 23434 View details
Phone: +17575144012 | Website available
5Suffolk City Council
441 Market St, Suffolk, VA 23434 View details
Phone: +17575144018 | Website available
6Va Department of Agriculture
308 Culloden St, Suffolk, VA 23434, United States View details
Phone: +17579252286 | Website available
People born in Suffolk (48)
People born in Suffolk, including former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Lewis F. Powell, Jr., guitarist Charlie Byrd, basketball player Rory Sparrow, .
More notable people
- Mills E. Godwin (American politician (1914-1999)) he was born in 19/11/1914
- Edward Everett Holland (American politician (1861-1941)) he was born in 26/02/1861
- Joe Maphis (American musician) he was born in 12/05/1921
- Helen Oxenbury (British book illustrator) she was born in 02/06/1938
- Lex Luger (American record producer of trap) he was born in 06/03/1991
- Phyllis Gordon (actress (1889-1964)) she was born in 17/10/1889
- Michael Britt (American basketball player) he was born in 07/10/1960
- Anthony J. Russo Jr. (American whistleblower) he was born in 14/10/1936
- Genevieve Caulfield (American blind teacher) she was born in 08/05/1888
- Braxton Powell (American politician) he was born in 23/11/1944
- Fred Quayle (American politician) he was born in 16/02/1936
- Fred V. Cherry he was born in 24/03/1928
- Henry C Bailey JR (American football player) he was born in 28/02/1973
- James Bell (American actor (1891-1973)) he was born in 01/12/1891
- Johnnie Barnes (American football player) he was born in 21/07/1968
- Judith Godwin (American abstract painter) she was born in 01/01/1930
- Keith Wright (College basketball player) he was born in 22/07/1989
- Liz Carlyle (American romantic fiction writer) she was born in 07/08/1958
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Suffolk, VA. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 231721 | Suffolk Beauty Academy | Suffolk (VA) | 23434-3020 |
| 231970 | Eastern Virginia Medical School | Norfolk (VA) | 23507 |
| 427973 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Chesapeake | Chesapeake (VA) | 23320 |
| 232982 | Old Dominion University | Norfolk (VA) | 23529 |
| 233772 | Tidewater Community College | Norfolk (VA) | 23510 |
Nearby Transit Stations (6)
Rail and bus stations connected to Suffolk, VA. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFK | Norfolk | 215 W York Street | BUS |
| NPN | Newport News station | 9304 Warwick Boulevard | RAIL |
| VAB | Virginia Beach, Virginia | 19th St. and Pacific Ave. | BUS |
| WBG | Williamsburg Transportation Center | 468 North Boundary Street | RAIL |
| PTB | Petersburg station | 3516 South Street | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to Suffolk.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Suffolk Post Office | Suffolk (VA) | 23434 |
| Driver Post Office | Suffolk (VA) | 23435 |
| Chuckatuck Post Office | Suffolk (VA) | 23432 |
| Windsor Post Office | Windsor (VA) | 23487 |
| Joll Post Office | Chesapeake (VA) | 23321 |
Other cities in City of Suffolk
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in City of Suffolk , VA.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| South Suffolk | 80,690 | A census-designated place in Suffolk County, Virginia. |
Distance to Other Cities
Suffolk distances to largest Virginia cities