Suffolk, Virginia

Suffolk: The most populous city in Suffolk County, Virginia. It is located on the James River in southeastern Virginia. Suffolk is known for its many parks and green spaces, its many historical sites, and its many attractions, such as the Suffolk Museum and Cultural Center and the Suffolk Visitor Center.

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 282 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.

Suffolk locator map
Location of Suffolk on Virginia map.

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
Named for : Suffolk
Altitude : 36 feet / 11 meters
Establishment : January 01, 1742 (282 years ago)
Time Zone : America/New_York
Local time : 15:49:31 (30th October 2024)
Density : 85 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 9.93% (2010-2020)
Downtown Suffolk  VA image
Downtown Suffolk VA
Downtown Suffolk  VA image

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

Suffolk has 7 neighbours.

  • Camden County county in North Carolina, United States
  • Gates County county in North Carolina, United States
  • Chesapeake The second most populous city in Virginia. It is located on the Chesapeake Bay in southeastern Virginia. Chesapeake is known for its many beaches, its many parks and green spaces, and its many attractions, such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and the Great Bridge Battlefield and Waterfowl Museum.
  • Isle of Wight County county in Virginia, United States
  • Newport News The second most populous city in Virginia. It is located on Hampton Roads in southeastern Virginia. Newport News is known for its many naval bases, its many parks and green spaces, and its many attractions, such as the Mariners' Museum and the Virginia Living Museum.
  • Portsmouth The most populous city in Portsmouth, Virginia. It is located on the Elizabeth River in southeastern Virginia. Portsmouth is known for its many parks and green spaces, its many historical sites
  • Southampton County county in Virginia, United States

Demographics

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

Suffolk zip code is 23432. County name: Suffolk, County fips: 51800

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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, .

List

Schools in Suffolk

College & universities near Suffolk, VA

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

Stations (6)

Amtrak & bus stations near Suffolk, VA

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

Post offices near 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