Chesapeake city, Virginia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Virginia
The population of Chesapeake city, Virginia is 251,153 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county 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 of Chesapeake city has grown 14.1% since 2010 (223,525 → 254,997), a +0.95% annualized rate.
251,153
Population
+0.95%
Annual growth
742
People / sq mi
$94,189
Median Income
$359,100
Median Home Value
Chesapeake city covers 338 sq mi of land at 742.1 people per square mile.
About Chesapeake city, VA
Among US counties, Chesapeake city stands out first on household income: a median of $94,189, above the US median of $78,538. With 251,153 residents, Chesapeake city is a county in Virginia. It is the #7-largest of all counties in Virginia nationally.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $94,189, above the US median of $78,538. Only 6.3% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $359,100, with typical rent around $1,523.
About 36.4% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, near the 35.0% national figure. About 11.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Chesapeake city firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Chesapeake city Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chesapeake city had a population of 223,525 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)
223,525
Population (2010)
254,997
Peak (2024)
0.95%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 223,525 |
| 2011 | 225,360 |
| 2012 | 228,134 |
| 2013 | 230,415 |
| 2014 | 233,477 |
| 2015 | 235,253 |
| 2016 | 237,656 |
| 2017 | 240,416 |
| 2018 | 242,748 |
| 2019 | 245,403 |
| 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% |
Age & Sex
37.7
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
14.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.1% · Seniors (65+): 14.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $94,189+$3,215 vs state |
| Mean household income | $116,849 |
| Per-capita income | $43,819 |
| Poverty rate | 6.3%-0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chesapeake city is professional & business services, accounting for 24.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
77.4%
Public transit
11.5%
Work from home
25.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$359,100$-1,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,523
Median rent
73.8%
Homeownership rate
95,997
Total housing units
96.2%
Occupied
3.8%
Vacant
26.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
96.4%
With broadband internet
39.8%
Foreign-born
14.5%
Veterans (18+)
12.5%
With a disability
91.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.4%
High School+
36.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Virginia
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Part of Virginia
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County rankings
Common questions about Chesapeake city, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Chesapeake city, Virginia has a population of 251,153 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Virginia. Population density is 742 people per square mile.
The population of Chesapeake city has grown 14.1% since 2010 (223,525 → 254,997), a +0.95% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chesapeake city, Virginia is $94,189, with mean (average) household income of $116,849 and per-capita income of $43,819. 6.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chesapeake city, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (56.2%), Black or African American (29.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chesapeake city, Virginia is 37.7 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Chesapeake city is $359,100 and median monthly rent is $1,523. 73.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 95,997 total housing units, 3.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chesapeake city, Virginia is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Virginia Beach is among the largest cities associated with Chesapeake city, Virginia, with a population of 457,066.
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Statewide data for Virginia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Virginia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.