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% |
Largest cities in Virginia
Largest counties in Virginia
Part of Virginia
Metro areas in Virginia
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).
Where to stay in Chesapeake
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.