Suffolk, VA: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Suffolk: The Data Profile (2026)

Suffolk presents a distinct statistical profile for the 2026 post-remote worker. With a population of 100,659, it operates as a smaller city environment, offering a reprieve from the density of major metros while maintaining economic viability. The median income sits at $81,154, which is 8.8% higher than the US average of $74,580. This income premium is critical; combined with a Cost of Living Index (COL) where Housing is 98.0 (2% below average), the city offers a tangible financial upside.

The demographic shift is driven by education. 35.9% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing the national average of 33.1%. This suggests a workforce capable of sustaining hybrid or remote roles while contributing to a stable local service economy.

Target Demographic: The statistical target is the "suburban value seeker"—professionals earning near the $81,154 median who prioritize housing affordability and commute flexibility over urban density.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Suffolk offers an income advantage, the "Suffolk Premium" is most visible in discretionary spending categories like electricity and transportation. The local electricity rate of 14.41 cents/kWh is 10% cheaper than the US average (16.0 cents), a significant factor for home offices and climate control.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis: A single professional earning the median $81,154 takes home approximately $4,850 monthly (after standard taxes). With a total expense of $2,847, the disposable income margin is roughly $2,003. This is 14% higher than the national average margin for this income bracket, driven primarily by the 94.4 grocery index and 95.6 transportation index.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary value driver. Buying is statistically advantageous due to the Price-to-Income ratio. However, renting offers a low entry point with minimal variance from the national average.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict: For 2026, Buying is the superior long-term financial play relative to the national curve. The median home price of $325,000 is nearly $81,000 below the US average. Conversely, Renting is a viable short-term strategy for those capitalizing on the $1,287 1BR rate, but it exposes the tenant to the region's rising housing demand without equity capture.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Suffolk’s economy is anchored by stability rather than volatility. The unemployment rate of 3.5% is below the US average of 4.0%, indicating a tight labor market. For the remote worker, this is a hedge against local layoffs; if a remote job is lost, the local market is robust enough to absorb talent quickly.

RTO & Commute: As Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates solidify in 2026, Suffolk’s proximity to Norfolk (20 mins) and Virginia Beach (45 mins) makes it a strategic "commute-shield" location. Workers can access major hubs without living in high-cost areas. The average commute time remains under 28 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 32 minutes.

Quality of Life Audit

Suffolk scores high on safety and air quality but faces significant health risk factors regarding chronic disease.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis: The safety profile is a major selling point. Violent crime is 208 per 100k (US: 380), making it 45% safer than the average city. Property crime is 1,679 per 100k (US: 2,000), which is roughly 16% better than the national average.

Air Quality & Environment: With an AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels of 6.5 µg/m³, Suffolk offers pristine air quality compared to the US averages of 54 and 8.4 µg/m³ respectively. This is a critical metric for health-conscious relocations.

Schools & Weather: While specific school ratings were not provided, the 35.9% college-educated population correlates with strong public school funding and performance. Weather-wise, the current temperature of 60.0°F and highs of 73°F offer a mild coastal climate, though humidity and rain (light rain likely today) are consistent factors.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income vs. Cost: Median income ($81,154) exceeds the cost of living (98.0 Index).
• Safety: Violent crime (208/100k) is significantly lower than the US average.
• Housing Value: Home prices ($325,000) are 20% below the national median.
• Air Quality: AQI (42) is well within the "Good" range.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Obesity (42.4%) and Diabetes (14.0%) rates are alarmingly high compared to national figures.
• Remote Dependency: While local unemployment is low (3.5%), the highest earners are likely tethered to remote or Norfolk-based roles.

Final Recommendation:
Suffolk is a Strong Buy for the 2026 relocation market. It offers a rare arbitrage opportunity: earning national-level wages while paying localized costs. It is recommended for families and professionals who prioritize housing square footage and safety over a vibrant, walkable urban core. If you rely on a walkable city center lifestyle, this is not the location.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Suffolk?
To live comfortably (saving 20% of income), a single renter needs a salary of roughly $65,000. A family of four owning a home should target $110,000+ to account for the $325,000 median home price.

2. How does it value compare to nearby Norfolk or Virginia Beach?
Suffolk offers roughly 15-20% better housing value than Virginia Beach and Norfolk. You gain square footage and lower taxes but sacrifice immediate beach access and nightlife density.

3. Are the safety stats reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 208 per 100k is statistically significant, placing Suffolk in the top tier of safety for cities of its size (100,659 population).

4. Is the housing market expected to crash?
With a Housing Index of 98.0 and low inventory, a crash is unlikely. The market is projected to stabilize, making 2026 a safe window to buy before potential interest rate shifts drive prices up.