Chesapeake, VA
Population 251,153 · Virginia
About Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake is a major city located in Virginia with a population of 251,153 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $94,189 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chesapeake features a median home value of $359,100, which is 47% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Chesapeake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,523, 31% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 95,997 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (68,140 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (24,221 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chesapeake shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chesapeake have an average one-way commute time of 25.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.4% of Chesapeake 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 2.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 6.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chesapeake Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Chesapeake, VA
Compared to national averages, Chesapeake has a median household income of $94,189 (25% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $359,100, which is 47% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,523 is 31% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Chesapeake's income is 7% above the state average of $87,957, and home values are 10% above the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Chesapeake, VA?
Chesapeake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $94,189, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 36.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.7%, better than the national average.
Chesapeake has a population of 251,153 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Chesapeake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Chesapeake
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | 235,463 | $140,160 | $864,800 | Compare |
| Norfolk | 235,037 | $64,017 | $271,900 | Compare |
| Richmond | 227,595 | $62,671 | $328,100 | Compare |
| Newport News | 184,774 | $66,718 | $243,300 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 156,788 | $113,638 | $696,800 | Compare |
| Hampton | 137,334 | $67,758 | $234,100 | Compare |
| Roanoke | 98,677 | $52,671 | $180,500 | Compare |
| Portsmouth | 97,299 | $58,972 | $229,400 | 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 Chesapeake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chesapeake
What is the population of Chesapeake, VA?
The population of Chesapeake, VA is 251,153 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Chesapeake?
The median household income in Chesapeake, VA is $94,189 per year, which is 25% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chesapeake?
The median home value in Chesapeake, VA is $359,100, which is 47% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chesapeake?
The median monthly rent in Chesapeake, VA is $1,523, which is 31% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chesapeake?
The unemployment rate in Chesapeake, VA is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chesapeake, VA a good place to live?
Chesapeake offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 251,153 and a median age of 37.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chesapeake, VA?
36.4% of residents in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chesapeake, VA: median home value is $359,100 (47% above national), median rent is $1,523/month, and median household income is $94,189. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chesapeake?
The poverty rate in Chesapeake, VA is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chesapeake, VA?
Chesapeake's population is 2.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 28.5% two or more races. 6.1% of residents are foreign-born.