Chatham, VA
Population 1,535 · Virginia
About Chatham, VA
Chatham is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 1,535 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,485 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chatham features a median home value of $168,100, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Chatham in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,028, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 580 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (321 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (198 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chatham shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chatham have an average one-way commute time of 18.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.4% of Chatham residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 6.4% Asian residents, with 5.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chatham, VA
Compared to national averages, Chatham has a median household income of $54,485 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,100, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,028 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Chatham's income is 38% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 49% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Chatham, VA?
Chatham offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,028/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 35.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,485) that falls below the national average. However, Chatham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chatham has a population of 1,535 with a median age of 35.7 years. Compare Chatham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Chatham
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gordonsville | 1,527 | $70,179 | $267,200 | Compare |
| Edinburg | 1,544 | $54,775 | $217,900 | Compare |
| Mountain Road | 1,517 | $34,399 | $80,000 | Compare |
| Chatmoss | 1,503 | $96,339 | $223,400 | Compare |
| Camp Barrett | 1,569 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Bull Run Mountain Estates | 1,582 | $195,781 | $626,700 | Compare |
| Haymarket | 1,591 | $174,306 | $563,600 | Compare |
| Clintwood | 1,478 | $44,985 | $131,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chatham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chatham
What is the population of Chatham, VA?
The population of Chatham, VA is 1,535 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Chatham?
The median household income in Chatham, VA is $54,485 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chatham?
The median home value in Chatham, VA is $168,100, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chatham?
The median monthly rent in Chatham, VA is $1,028, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chatham?
The unemployment rate in Chatham, VA is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chatham, VA a good place to live?
Chatham offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,535 and a median age of 35.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chatham, VA?
35.4% of residents in Chatham aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chatham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chatham, VA: median home value is $168,100 (31% below national), median rent is $1,028/month, and median household income is $54,485. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chatham?
The poverty rate in Chatham, VA is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chatham, VA?
Chatham's population is 1.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 6.4% Asian, and 17.9% two or more races. 5.7% of residents are foreign-born.