The 10 Virginia Cities With The Largest Black Population For 2026

Most African American cities in Virginia research summary. We used Saturday Night Science to analyze Virginia’s most recent Census data to determine the blackest cities in Virginia based on the percentage of Black residents. Here are the results of our analysis:

• The city with the largest African American population in Virginia is Petersburg based on the most recent Census data.

• Petersburg is 74.22% Black.

• The least African American city in Virginia is Richlands.

• Richlands is 0.06% Black.

• Virginia is 18.3% Black.

• Virginia is the 9th blackest state in the United States.

Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table

The Black community is one of the fastest-growing communities in America this decade.

Roughly 42 million people identifying as Black or African American live in the United States, making up 12% of the total population. According to the most recent American Community Survey, the Black population in Virginia is 1,589,523 – at 18.3% of the total population of Virginia.

The percentage growth of Blacks in America is the third largest percentage change for any race according to the Census’s race and ethnicity definition. Most scholars and historians agree that increasing diversity in America is a good thing.

We agree.

But how has the increase in the black population impacted Virginia? Which cities and towns in Virginia have seen the greatest increase in its Black population?

We broke down the most recent census data to determine the cities in Virginia with the largest African American population in 2026:

What’s the blackest city in Virginia? The city with the largest Black population in Virginia for 2026 is Petersburg. See if Petersburg ranked as one of the most african american places in America.

And if you already knew these places were Black, check out the best places to live in Virginia or the most diverse places in Virginia.

Next 10 Cities

Summary: Black Populations Across Virginia

If you’re looking for a breakdown of African American populations across Virginia according to the most recent data, this is an accurate list.

The blackest cities in Virginia are Petersburg, Emporia, Franklin, Danville, Portsmouth, South Boston, Hampton, Martinsville, Hopewell, and Suffolk.

If you’re curious enough, here are the least African American places in Virginia:

1. Richlands
2. Vinton
3. Poquoson

For more Virginia reading, check out:

• Best Places To Raise A Family In Virginia
• Cheapest Places To Live In Virginia
• Most Dangerous Cities In Virginia