VirginiaPop. 137,557Mid-size cities
Is Hampton a Good Place to Live? Hampton, Virginia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hampton ranks #694 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #115 of 256 mid-size cities and #16 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($245,700, #54 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Hampton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hampton'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 Hampton?
Hampton'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 $1,427/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $282,439, 32% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
| Measure | Hampton | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 97.9#572 of 1,308 | 101.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $282,439#332 of 1,187 | $414,662 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,698/mo#500 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $245,700#383 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,427/mo#659 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.6%#961 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Hampton 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. Hampton is in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC metro.
Virginia housing market →Is Hampton safe?
Hampton recorded 276 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% below the US rate of 328 and 34% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #518 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #90 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hampton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,878 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hampton | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 276#518 of 1,085 | 206 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,878#933 of 1,085 | 1,354 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Hampton?
The median household in Hampton earns $69,621, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hampton | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $69,621#823 of 1,312 | $92,090 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.7%#712 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.7% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Hampton?
The median resident of Hampton is 36.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #856 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hampton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 28.5%#856 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 56.9% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Hampton's schools and health?
Hampton's 30 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $15,034 spent per pupil. 40.1% of adults are obese and 15% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Hampton | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 89.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,034#583 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 40.1%#1125 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15%#1164 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.4%#933 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.5%#589 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Virginia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 19,657 students are enrolled in Hampton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hampton?
The average commute in Hampton is 22.5 minutes (Virginia 28.3); 1.2% of workers take transit and 10.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hampton scores 11.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #545 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.4°F and winters 42.4°F, with 47.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hampton | VirginiaVA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.5 min#544 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.1%#587 of 1,312 | 10% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 75.7% | 68.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.2% | 3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.8% | 2.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 10.4% | 15.8% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.4#545 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 49 | 32.1 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 51.5 | 33.8 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 58.1 | 39.8 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 67.6 | 48.6 | 3.3 |
| May | 75.5 | 58 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 82.9 | 67.1 | 4 |
| Jul | 87.3 | 71.2 | 5.3 |
| Aug | 85.1 | 70.5 | 4.9 |
| Sep | 79.4 | 65 | 4.8 |
| Oct | 69.7 | 52.9 | 3.9 |
| Nov | 60.2 | 41.9 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 52.2 | 35.5 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Langley AFB.
| Measure | Hampton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 59.8°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 47.8 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Langley AFB.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hampton?
Hampton city's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hampton city's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Hampton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 38#228 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.09%#110 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hampton city: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hampton city
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal flooding | 0.01% | 83% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.018% | 80% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0022% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 23% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.042% | 6% 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 Hampton compare with similar-size cities?
Hampton is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #115 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 137,557.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #694 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 | 22.5 min |
| West Valley City, UTPop. 138,437 | #821 | 52.9 | $92,209 | $1,504/mo | 383 | 22.6 min |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #1032 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 | 24.9 min |
| Victorville, CAPop. 137,627 | #1287 | 38.6 | $74,410 | $1,618/mo | 740 | 40.4 min |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #858 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 | 26.7 min |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 min |
| Stamford, CTPop. 137,144 | #117 | 67.9 | $111,586 | $2,276/mo | 154 | 28.5 min |
| Midland, TXPop. 136,640 | #579 | 56.9 | $89,585 | $1,434/mo | 352 | 20.1 min |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #1289 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 | 20.3 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 Hampton compare with the rest of Virginia?
Hampton ranks #16 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 55 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 24% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 32% below 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 Hampton's score calculated?
Hampton scores 55 out of 100, #694 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 Hampton. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hampton's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
68.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hampton. Similar-size median 53.8.
36.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hampton's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
65.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hampton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
71.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hampton. Similar-size median 51.2.
47.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hampton. Similar-size median 42.1.
39.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hampton. Similar-size median 50.1.
47.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hampton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
54.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
78.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hampton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Hampton 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 Hampton
Is Hampton, VA a good place to live?
Hampton ranks #694 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #115 of 256 mid-size cities and #16 of 20 in Virginia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($245,700, #54 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Hampton?
Hampton'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 $1,427/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $282,439, 32% below the typical Virginia home ($414,662).
What is the crime rate in Hampton?
Hampton recorded 276 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% below the US rate of 328 and 34% above Virginia's 206. That ranks #518 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #90 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hampton Police Department. Property crime runs 2,878 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hampton?
The median household in Hampton earns $69,621, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Virginia ($92,090). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hampton?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,427/mo (Census), #659 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,698/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hampton?
The typical home value in Hampton is $282,439, up 2% in a year, against $414,662 for Virginia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $245,700.
How are the public schools in Hampton?
Hampton's 30 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Virginia 89.1%), with 14.1 students per teacher and $15,034 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hampton?
The average commute is 22.5 minutes, #544 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Virginia. 5.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hampton?
Hampton averages 59.8°F over the year, 77.4°F in summer and 42.4°F in winter, with 47.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hampton walkable?
Hampton scores 11.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #545 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 Hampton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hampton city's biggest natural hazard losses in coastal flooding, hurricane, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hampton?
Hampton city's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 83% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Hampton?
Hampton has 137,557 residents. The median resident of Hampton is 36.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #856 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hampton compare with the rest of Virginia?
Hampton ranks #16 of the 20 Virginia cities we track, with a score of 55 against Virginia's statewide 67.7. Its households earn 24% below the Virginia median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 32% below the typical Virginia home.
What cities are similar in size to Hampton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hampton's population of 137,557 are West Valley City, UT (#821 overall), Warren, MI (#1032 overall), Victorville, CA (#1287 overall), Elizabeth, NJ (#858 overall), and Cedar Rapids, IA (#383 overall). Hampton is #694.