Chesapeake, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Chesapeake, Virginia is 251,153 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 90th-largest city in the United States and the 2nd-largest in Virginia. The median household income is $94,189, the median home value is $359,100, and the median age is 37.7.
The population has grown 14.1% since 2010 (223,556 → 254,997).
251,153
Population
742
People / sq mi
$94,189
Median Income
$359,100
Median Home Value
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Chesapeake covers 338.5 sq mi of land at 742 people per square mile.
About Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US cities, at roughly 742 people per square mile. With 251,153 residents, Chesapeake is a city in Virginia. It is the #2-largest of all cities in Virginia nationally.
The typical household here earns about $94,189, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 6.3%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $359,100, with typical rent around $1,523.
36.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, near the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 11.5%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Chesapeake city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Chesapeake city had a population of 223,556 in 2010 and 254,997 in 2024, a 14.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 254,997 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.95%.
254,997
Population (2024)
223,556
Population (2010)
254,997
Peak (2024)
0.95%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 223,556 |
| 2011 | 225,361 |
| 2012 | 228,091 |
| 2013 | 230,327 |
| 2014 | 233,360 |
| 2015 | 235,111 |
| 2016 | 237,464 |
| 2017 | 240,143 |
| 2018 | 242,359 |
| 2019 | 244,835 |
| 2020 | 249,726 |
| 2021 | 251,732 |
| 2022 | 252,493 |
| 2023 | 253,967 |
| 2024 | 254,997 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 56.2% |
| Black or African American | 29.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$94,189
Median Household Income
$43,819
Per Capita Income
6.3%
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$359,100
Median Home Value
$1,523
Median Rent
73.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
93.4%
High School+
36.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.6%
Drive Alone
77.4%
Public Transit
11.5%
Work From Home
25.5 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
39.8%
Foreign Born
91.7%
Non-English at Home
14.5%
Veterans
12.5%
With Disability
93.4%
Health Insurance
96.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 13.9% |
| Public Administration | 9.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.3% |
| Construction | 7.1% |
| Manufacturing | 6.9% |
| Information | 6.0% |
| Retail Trade | 5.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.1% |
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City rankings
Common questions about Chesapeake, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Chesapeake, Virginia has a population of 251,153 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 90th-largest city in the United States and the 2nd-largest in Virginia.
The median household income in Chesapeake, Virginia is $94,189, with 6.3% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Chesapeake, Virginia is $359,100, with median monthly rent at $1,523 and a homeownership rate of 73.8%.
The median age in Chesapeake, Virginia is 37.7 years. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The population has grown 14.1% since 2010 (223,556 → 254,997).
Chesapeake city, VA Climate
Chesapeake city, VA has an average annual temperature of 15.5°C (60°F) and receives about 1219 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.5°C
Avg Temp
1219
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 40° | 104 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 94 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 103 mm |
| April | 14° / 58° | 81 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 103 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 101 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 136 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 132 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 108 mm |
| October | 16° / 62° | 93 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 77 mm |
| December | 7° / 45° | 87 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Chesapeake city, VA
The most comfortable months to visit Chesapeake city, VA are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Chesapeake
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.