Hampton, Virginia is home to 137,148 residents, according to the 2020 Census. If you're considering a move, an investment, or simply want to better understand the community, a quick look at the city's demographics tells you a lot.
Hampton, Virginia: What the Census Data Actually Shows
According to the 2020 Census, Hampton had 62,444 housing units across about 51.5 square miles of land — roughly 1,213 units per square mile — a figure that reflects a genuinely urban-suburban character. That's meaningful context for buyers. Higher housing density typically means more established infrastructure, shorter commutes to employment centers, and a broader mix of property types — from single-family homes to condos and townhomes.
For context on how Hampton fits into the broader region, browse our Hampton Roads community pages to compare cities side by side.
What the Housing Numbers Tell Buyers and Investors
More than 62,000 housing units in a mid-sized city signals real market depth. Hampton isn't a thin market — there's inventory across price points, and that matters whether you're a first-time buyer, a value-seeking investor, or someone relocating on a military PCS order to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, whose Langley side sits within the city.
About 17% of Hampton adults are veterans, compared with about 9% statewide, and roughly 37% of home loans made in Hampton in 2024 were VA-guaranteed, compared with about 16% across Virginia. If you're PCS-ing to Langley, Hampton's housing inventory and price points often make more sense than neighboring cities with higher costs.
For homeowners already in Hampton, population stability and housing density both support long-term property values. Find out what your home is worth →
What This Means For You
• Buyers: Hampton offers a range of housing types and price points — useful if you need flexibility on what you can afford without leaving the Hampton Roads metro.
• Investors: A housing density of more than 1,200 units per square mile suggests consistent rental demand and a market large enough to absorb inventory.
• Military families: Hampton is home to the Langley side of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, making it a practical choice for VA loan buyers on PCS timelines.
• Locals: The Census snapshot confirms what many residents already know — Hampton's housing stock grew from 57,311 units in 2000 to 62,444 in 2020.
Demographics don't tell you everything about a city, but they frame the conversation. Hampton's numbers point to a mid-size urban market with a meaningful military presence, and a housing supply broad enough to serve a wide range of buyers and residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How populated is Hampton, Virginia?
As of the 2020 Census, Hampton had 137,148 residents, the seventh-largest population among Virginia's 38 independent cities. It sits within the Hampton Roads metro area alongside Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake.
Is Hampton, Virginia a good place to buy a home?
Hampton offers a range of housing options across multiple price points, which makes it accessible to first-time buyers, military families using VA loans, and investors. Its proximity to Joint Base Langley-Eustis and major Hampton Roads employment corridors adds to its long-term appeal.
How diverse is Hampton, Virginia?
Hampton has approximately 137,000 residents and offers housing options across multiple price points and property types.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census