Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk
Independent city
Skyline of Downtown Norfolk USS Wisconsin Basilica of Saint Mary Chrysler Museum of Art Old Dominion University Naval Station Norfolk MacArthur Memorial
Flag Seal
Motto(s):  Crescas (Latin for, "Thou shalt grow.")
Interactive map of Norfolk
Norfolk Location within the state of Virginia Show map of Virginia Norfolk Location within the United States Show map of the United States Norfolk Location within North America Show map of North America
Coordinates: 36°50′49″N 76°17′07″W / 36.84694°N 76.28528°W / 36.84694; -76.28528
Country	United States
State	Virginia
County	None (independent city)
Founded	1680 (as town)
Incorporated	1736 (as borough)
Incorporated	1845 (as city)
Government
• Mayor	Kenny Alexander (D)
Area [1]
• Independent city	96.40 sq mi (249.68 km2)
• Land	53.27 sq mi (137.98 km2)
• Water	43.13 sq mi (111.70 km2)
Elevation	7 ft (2.1 m)
Population  (2020)
• Independent city	238,005
• Rank	100th in the United States 4th in Virginia
• Density	4,468/sq mi (1,725/km2)
• Urban	1,047,869
• Metro	1,725,246 (37th)
Time zone	UTC−5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes	23501–23515, 23517–23521, 23523, 23529, 23541, 23551
Area code(s)	757, 948
FIPS code	51-57000[2]
GNIS feature ID	1497051[3]
Primary Airport	Norfolk International Airport
Light Rail	The Tide
Public transportation	Hampton Roads Transit
Website	www.norfolk.gov

Norfolk (locally /ˈnɔːrfək/ ^ⓘ NOR-fək) is an independent city in the U.S. state of Virginia. It had a population of 238,005 at the 2020 census, making it the third-most populous city in Virginia and 100th-most populous city in the United States.^[4] The city holds a strategic position as the historical, urban, financial, and cultural center of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area (sometimes called "Tidewater"), which has more than 1.8 million inhabitants and is the 37th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S.^[5]

Norfolk was established in 1682 as a colonial seaport. Strategically located at the confluence of the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay, it quickly developed into a major center for trade and shipbuilding. During the American Revolution and War of 1812, its port and naval facilities made it a critical military target. Norfolk's prominence grew in the 20th century with the expansion of the U.S. Navy, particularly through the establishment of Naval Station Norfolk in 1917, which remains the world's largest naval base.

Norfolk is an important contributor to the Port of Virginia and houses one of NATO's two Strategic Command headquarters. It is home to Maersk Line, Limited, which manages the world's largest fleet of US-flag vessels. The city has numerous cultural institutions including the Nauticus maritime museum, Chrysler Museum of Art, and Virginia Zoo. Norfolk has many miles of riverfront and bayfront areas, including beaches on the Chesapeake Bay. Its low-lying coastal infrastructure is vulnerable to sea level rise, with water levels expected to rise by more than 5.5 feet (1.7 meters) by the end of the 21st century.