Chesapeake, VA Census Data
The 2nd largest city in Virginia by population · 17 cities ranked
Chesapeake is the 2nd largest city in Virginia by population and ranks 7th of 17 for median household income. With 251,153 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 9 other Virginia cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
251,153
49.1% male · 50.9% female
Median Age
37.7
1.0 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$94,189
$15,651 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
36.4%
1.4% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 93.4%
Poverty Rate
8.7%
3.7% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 6.6%
Broadband Access
96.4%
6.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$359,100
Median rent: $1,523 · 74% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Labor force participation: 59.7%
Per Capita Income
$49,257
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
14.5%
Disability rate: 12.5%
How Chesapeake Compares to Other Virginia Cities
Rankings among all 17 Virginia cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 17 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 7th of 17 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 8th of 17 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 10th of 17 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 8th of 17 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Chesapeake, VA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chesapeake, VA?
The population of Chesapeake, VA is 251,153 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.7 years.
What is the median household income in Chesapeake?
The median household income in Chesapeake, VA is $94,189, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $49,257.
What is the poverty rate in Chesapeake?
The poverty rate in Chesapeake, VA is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 6.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Chesapeake residents have a college degree?
36.4% of adults (25+) in Chesapeake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 93.4% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Chesapeake?
The median home value in Chesapeake, VA is $359,100. Median rent is $1,523 per month, with 74% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Chesapeake?
Chesapeake's population is 56.2% White, 29.0% Black, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Chesapeake rank among Virginia cities?
Chesapeake is the 2nd largest city in Virginia by population, the 7th highest for median household income, the 8th lowest for poverty rate, the 10th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 17 ranked Virginia cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Chesapeake?
The unemployment rate in Chesapeake, VA is 4.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 59.7%. Per capita income is $49,257.
Cities Similar to Chesapeake
Other Virginia cities with comparable population and income levels.