VirginiaPop. 252,583Big cities
Is Chesapeake a Good Place to Live? Chesapeake, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Chesapeake ranks #430 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #13 of 53 big cities and #10 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.3%, #7 of 53) and high household income ($95,373, #9 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Chesapeake by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Chesapeake's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake's cost of living index is 97.9, 2% below the US level of 100 and #572 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,586/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $425,375, 3% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Chesapeake | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 97.9#572 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $425,375#681 of 1,187 | $414,662 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,092/mo#754 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $378,400#733 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,586/mo#777 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4x#577 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 20%#447 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Chesapeake housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Chesapeake is in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Chesapeake safe?
Chesapeake recorded 319 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 55% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #588 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #12 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chesapeake Police Department. Property crime runs 1,478 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Chesapeake | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 319#588 of 1,085 | 206 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,478#467 of 1,085 | 1,354 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Chesapeake?
The median household in Chesapeake earns $95,373, 15% above the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Chesapeake | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $95,373#404 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 9.4%#450 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.7% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Chesapeake?
The median resident of Chesapeake is 37.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 36.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #551 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Chesapeake | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 37.9 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 36.9%#551 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 74.4% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Chesapeake's schools and health?
Chesapeake's 45 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 15 students per teacher and $15,274 spent per pupil. 40.1% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Chesapeake | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 15#464 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $15,274#554 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 40.1%#1125 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.2%#400 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 40,576 students are enrolled in Chesapeake's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Chesapeake?
The average commute in Chesapeake is 25.8 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 0.6% of workers take transit and 13.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Chesapeake scores 9.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.1°F and winters 40.3°F, with 54.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Chesapeake | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 25.8 min#837 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 75.7% | 68.6% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.6% | 3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1% | 2.1% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 13.1% | 15.8% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 9.3#777 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52.9 | 23.6 | 4.2 |
| Feb | 55.9 | 25.2 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 62.3 | 30.7 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 72.3 | 40.7 | 4.1 |
| May | 80.6 | 49.9 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 87.7 | 58.3 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 91.4 | 63.1 | 5.6 |
| Aug | 89.7 | 60.2 | 5.6 |
| Sep | 84.2 | 55.1 | 5.6 |
| Oct | 74.5 | 44.4 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 64.7 | 32.6 | 3.8 |
| Dec | 56.5 | 27.4 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wallaceton-Lake Drummond.
| Measure | Chesapeake | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 57.7°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 75.1°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 40.3°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 54.1 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Wallaceton-Lake Drummond.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Chesapeake?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Chesapeake's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Chesapeake city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 75% of US counties.
| Measure | Chesapeake | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#373 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Chesapeake city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Chesapeake city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.03% | 83% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0051% | 74% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0017% | 38% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0011% | 37% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.003% | 28% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.063% | 26% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Chesapeake compare with similar-size cities?
Chesapeake is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #13 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 252,583.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake, VAPop. 252,583 | #430 | 59.4 | $95,373 | $1,586/mo | 319 | 25.8 min |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #596 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 | 21.5 min |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #1240 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 | 19.8 min |
| St. Petersburg, FLPop. 262,732 | #633 | 56.1 | $75,192 | $1,663/mo | 492 | 25.6 min |
| Irving, TXPop. 256,492 | #544 | 57.3 | $81,830 | $1,619/mo | 268 | 24.1 min |
| Glendale, AZPop. 252,833 | #872 | 52.1 | $73,530 | $1,528/mo | 438 | 27.7 min |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #1103 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 | 21.5 min |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #616 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Chesapeake compare with the rest of Virginia?
Chesapeake ranks #10 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 4% above the Virginia median. Violent crime is 55% above the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above the typical Virginia home.
| City | Rank in VA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reston, VAPop. 64,414 | #1 | 75.8 | $148,710 | $2,231/mo | no data |
| Arlington, VAPop. 236,254 | #2 | 75.0 | $142,114 | $2,322/mo | no data |
| McLean, VAPop. 49,627 | #3 | 72.6 | $250,001 | $3,422/mo | no data |
| Centreville, VAPop. 71,706 | #4 | 71.5 | $139,510 | $2,299/mo | no data |
| Leesburg, VAPop. 49,171 | #5 | 69.7 | $145,205 | $2,105/mo | 237 |
| Alexandria, VAPop. 156,976 | #6 | 68.9 | $119,681 | $2,089/mo | 142 |
| Charlottesville, VAPop. 45,437 | #7 | 63.3 | $74,824 | $1,540/mo | 277 |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #8 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 |
| Tuckahoe, VAPop. 49,183 | #9 | 61.8 | $102,264 | $1,536/mo | no data |
| Chesapeake, VAPop. 252,583 | #10 | 59.4 | $95,373 | $1,586/mo | 319 |
| Harrisonburg, VAPop. 51,392 | #11 | 59.4 | $62,254 | $1,184/mo | 211 |
| Lynchburg, VAPop. 79,497 | #12 | 58.8 | $57,947 | $1,073/mo | 361 |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #13 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data |
| Richmond, VAPop. 229,359 | #14 | 56.5 | $64,587 | $1,372/mo | 441 |
| Suffolk, VAPop. 98,796 | #15 | 56.0 | $92,666 | $1,563/mo | 365 |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #16 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 |
| Norfolk, VAPop. 233,596 | #17 | 54.1 | $66,109 | $1,321/mo | 399 |
| Roanoke, VAPop. 98,355 | #18 | 53.4 | $55,378 | $996/mo | 554 |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #19 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 |
| Portsmouth, VAPop. 97,190 | #20 | 48.4 | $60,491 | $1,300/mo | 773 |
All 20 Virginia cities we track, by overall score. Virginia statewide: median income $92,090, violent crime 205.9 per 100,000.
How is Chesapeake's score calculated?
Chesapeake scores 59.4 out of 100, #430 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Virginia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Chesapeake. Similar-size median 53.8.
65.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Chesapeake's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
75.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Chesapeake. Similar-size median 54.8.
43.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Chesapeake's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
63.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Chesapeake's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
63.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Chesapeake. Similar-size median 47.2.
64.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Chesapeake. Similar-size median 42.4.
45.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Chesapeake. Similar-size median 53.7.
46.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Chesapeake's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
43.7 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 48.1.
74.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Chesapeake's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Chesapeake has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Chesapeake
Is Chesapeake, VA a good place to live?
Chesapeake ranks #430 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #13 of 53 big cities and #10 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.3%, #7 of 53) and high household income ($95,373, #9 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake's cost of living index is 97.9, 2% below the US level of 100 and #572 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,586/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $425,375, 3% above the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
What is the crime rate in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake recorded 319 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 55% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #588 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #12 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chesapeake Police Department. Property crime runs 1,478 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Chesapeake?
The median household in Chesapeake earns $95,373, 15% above the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Chesapeake?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,586/mo (Census), #777 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,092/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Chesapeake?
The typical home value in Chesapeake is $425,375, up 3.6% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $378,400.
How are the public schools in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake's 45 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 15 students per teacher and $15,274 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Chesapeake?
The average commute is 25.8 minutes, #837 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake averages 57.7°F over the year, 75.1°F in summer and 40.3°F in winter, with 54.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Chesapeake walkable?
Chesapeake scores 9.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Chesapeake at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Chesapeake city's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 75% of US counties.
Who lives in Chesapeake?
Chesapeake has 252,583 residents. The median resident of Chesapeake is 37.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 36.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #551 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 74.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Chesapeake compare with the rest of Virginia?
Chesapeake ranks #10 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 4% above the Virginia median. Violent crime is 55% above the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Chesapeake?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Chesapeake's population of 252,583 are Fort Wayne, IN (#596 overall), Toledo, OH (#1240 overall), St. Petersburg, FL (#633 overall), Irving, TX (#544 overall), and Glendale, AZ (#872 overall). Chesapeake is #430.