Chesapeake, WV
Population 1,615 · West Virginia
About Chesapeake, WV
Chesapeake is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,615 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,526 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.2 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 $83,100, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chesapeake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $979, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 774 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (526 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (180 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chesapeake shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chesapeake have an average one-way commute time of 22.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.7% of Chesapeake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chesapeake, WV
Compared to national averages, Chesapeake has a median household income of $60,526 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $83,100, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $979 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Chesapeake's income is 12% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 35% below the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Chesapeake, WV?
Chesapeake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $83,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $979/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,526) that falls below the national average. However, Chesapeake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chesapeake has a population of 1,615 with a median age of 41.2 years. Compare Chesapeake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Chesapeake
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery | 1,635 | $26,797 | $117,300 | Compare |
| Craigsville | 1,584 | $28,718 | $95,300 | Compare |
| Sophia | 1,654 | $34,498 | $112,900 | Compare |
| Eleanor | 1,655 | $74,211 | $236,400 | Compare |
| Prosperity | 1,575 | $82,637 | $115,700 | Compare |
| West Liberty | 1,568 | $43,333 | $120,000 | Compare |
| Mannington | 1,679 | $48,750 | $92,100 | Compare |
| Daniels | 1,542 | $52,100 | $182,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in West 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, WV?
The population of Chesapeake, WV is 1,615 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Chesapeake?
The median household income in Chesapeake, WV is $60,526 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chesapeake?
The median home value in Chesapeake, WV is $83,100, which is 66% below 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, WV is $979, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chesapeake?
The unemployment rate in Chesapeake, WV is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chesapeake, WV a good place to live?
Chesapeake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,615 and a median age of 41.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chesapeake, WV?
14.7% of residents in Chesapeake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chesapeake, WV: median home value is $83,100 (66% below national), median rent is $979/month, and median household income is $60,526. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chesapeake?
The poverty rate in Chesapeake, WV is 18.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Chesapeake, WV?
Chesapeake's population is 0.0% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.