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Suffolk, VA

Frequently asked questions

Suffolk, VA

Suffolk is an independent city in Virginia, United States. As of 2020, the population was 94,324. It is the 10th-most populous city in Virginia, the largest city in Virginia by boundary land area as well as the 14th-largest in the country. Suffolk is located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. This also includes the independent cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, and smaller cities, counties, and towns of Hampton Roads. With miles of waterfront property on the Nansemond and James rivers, present-day Suffolk was formed in 1974 after consolidating with Nansemond County and the towns of Holland and Whaleyville. The current mayor (as of 2021) is Mike Duman.

Suffolk is located at 36°44′29″N 76°36′36″W (36.741347, −76.609881).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 429 square miles (1,110 km²), of which 400 square miles (1,000 km²) is land and 29 square miles (75 km²) (6.7%) is water. It is the largest city in Virginia by land area and second-largest by total area. Part of the Great Dismal Swamp is located in Suffolk.

Before colonization, the region was inhabited by the indigenous Nansemond people. The settlement of Suffolk was established in 1742 by Virginian colonists as a port town on the Nansemond River. It was originally named Constant's Warehouse (for John Constant, one of the first founders of the settlement) before being renamed after the Royal Governor of Virginia Sir William Gooch's home county of the same name in England. During the colonial era, Virginian colonists in the region cultivated tobacco with enslaved labor as a cash crop, before transitioning to mixed farming. Suffolk was designated as the county seat of Nansemond County in 1750.

Early in its history, Suffolk became a land transportation gateway to the areas east of it in South Hampton Roads. Before the American Civil War, both the Portsmouth and Roanoke Railroad and the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad were built through Suffolk, early predecessors of 21st-century Class 1 railroads operated by CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern, respectively. Other railroads and later major highways followed after the war.

Suffolk became an incorporated town in 1808. Suffolk became a stop on the Atlantic and Danville Railway in 1890. In 1910, it was incorporated as a city and separated from Nansemond County. However, it remained the seat of Nansemond County until 1972, when its former county became the independent city of Nansemond. In 1974, the independent cities of Suffolk and Nansemond merged under Suffolk's name and charter.

In the realm of healthcare, Suffolk is home to state-of-the-art facilities such as Sentara Obici Hospital, ensuring residents have access to quality medical services. Actively promoting health and wellness initiatives and hosting events that encourage physical activity, Suffolk stands as an ideal community for individuals and families seeking a well-rounded and health-conscious environment. Experience luxury and relaxation at The Ritz-Carlton Spa in Tysons Corner. Indulge in rejuvenating treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, in a serene and elegant setting. Discover a world of tranquility at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental. Enjoy holistic treatments, wellness programs, and personalized therapies designed to enhance your well-being. Unwind and pamper yourself at The Jefferson Spa. Experience signature treatments, massages, and skincare rituals in a historic and luxurious environment. Retreat to Salamander Resort & Spa for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy therapeutic massages, body treatments, and wellness services amidst Virginia's scenic beauty. Experience ultimate relaxation at The Spa at The Omni Homestead Resort. Treat yourself to massages, facials, and body therapies in a historic and picturesque setting.

Top sites in Suffolk, VA are Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Riddick's Folly House Museum, and Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum.

Population: 103,105 (2024). ZIP codes: 23432-23439. Area codes: 757, 948. Elevation: 39 ft (12 m). Area: 428.91 sq mi (1,110.86 km²)

FAQs

Is Suffolk VA a good place to live?

Suffolk, Virginia is a beautiful area. Suffolk is in Suffolk City County. Living in Suffolk offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Suffolk, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Suffolk.

What is Suffolk, VA known for?

Burned by the British in 1779 and damaged by other fires throughout the next century, Suffolk survived to become a city in 1910. In 1974, it became the present City of Suffolk, consolidating with the towns of Holland and Whaleyville, and the County of Nansemond. In 1912, an Italian immigrant named Amedeo Obici moved from Pennsylvania to Suffolk and opened Planters Nut and Chocolate Company. Today, Suffolk remains a major peanut processing center and transportation hub.

What is the ethnicity of Suffolk, VA?

Suffolk has a 2024 population of 102,377. Suffolk is currently growing at a rate of 1.91% annually and its population has increased by 8.11% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 94,697 in 2020. The average household income in Suffolk is $112,379 with a poverty rate of 9.43%. The median age in Suffolk is 38.5 years: 37.5 years for males, and 39.5 years for females. White: 48.65% Black or African American: 41.55% Two or more races: 5.89% Asian: 1.89%.

Sources

City of Suffolk

Wikipedia

World Population Review

Niche 

Sentara Obici Hospital

Ritz-Carlton Spa in Tysons Corner

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

The Jefferson Spa

Salamander Resort & Spa

The Spa at The Omni Homestead Resort

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Riddick's Folly House Museum

Suffolk Seaboard Station Railroad Museum

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.