RANK #38 / 996 · POP 94,856 · VA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.6%
Suffolk, Virginia, stands out as the "Peanut Capital of the World," a nod to its deep agricultural roots and the historic presence of Planters Peanuts. Located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, Suffolk is Virginia's largest city by land area, encompassing 430 square miles of diverse landscapes from urban centers to farmlands and forests. Commuting to nearby cities like Norfolk or Virginia Beach is common, though traffic can add to travel times. The community offers a blend of small-town warmth and growing development, with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities at places like the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and various city parks.
Life in Suffolk offers a sparse suburban feel, attracting families and professionals with its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Hampton Roads cities. The economy is diverse, driven by sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Major employers include Amazon and Target distribution centers, benefiting from Suffolk's proximity to the Port of Virginia. The city has seen recent economic growth, with investments in technology, logistics, and healthcare, including expansions by Sentara Healthcare. Suffolk Public Schools serve nearly 14,000 students, and there are also private school options like Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and Suffolk Christian Academy.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Suffolk city has a Boom Town Index score of 96/100, ranking #38 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.6% and a median household income of $87,758, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Suffolk city is $314,400 with median rent at $1,376/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2791, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.6%. Home values changed +1.7% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 6.48% of Suffolk city's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.