Wachapreague Population

from Comprehensive Plan

The characteristics of residents are important to the social and economic vitality of the Town. It is important to examine the changes that have taken place among the population and to anticipate future changes.

census

The most recent population estimates for the Town are from the 2010 US Census shows the Town of Wachapreague having 232 residents. The census indicates that Wachapreague has lost 172 residents since 1980 for a loss of almost 43%.  Over the same time, Accomack County grew by 6% and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s population increased by almost 50%.

Wachapreague has a larger proportion of older residents than the rest of the county.  According to the 2010 Census, those 65 and older in Wachapreague account for 34% of the town’s population compared to 19% of Accomack County.

According to the 2010 census, 51% of Wachapreague's residents are female and 49% are male.  A major difference in the population of the Town and that of the county is in regards to race. Accomack County's minority population is 35% of the total population, while the minority population in Wachapreague is 7%.

The population of Wachapreague continues to decline from 1990 through 2010 while the age of the town residents continues to increase. It is estimated that 40% of the housing units are seasonal.