Chesapeake, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
252,583
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$95,373/yr
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
96,816
0.8% year-over-year change

Chesapeake population

How many people live in Chesapeake

Chesapeake is home to 252,583 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.1% of Chesapeake locals are male, and 50.9% are female.

Total population
252,583
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.1%
123,964
Female
50.9%
128,619
Value Percent YoY change
Male 123,964 49.1% 0.5%
Female 128,619 50.9% 0.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Chesapeake is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.8% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.5% of the population, while another 24.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.8%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
28.5%
45 to 64
24.8%
Over 65
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 50,112 19.8% -0.2%
15 to 24 31,102 12.3% 0.1%
25 to 44 72,057 28.5% 0.7%
45 to 64 62,515 24.8% -0.7%
Over 65 36,797 14.6% 4.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Chesapeake, 91.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 55.1% of locals are Caucasian, 29% are African American and 3.9% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 2.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.3%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 231,603 91.7% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 16,025 6.3% 3.2%
Non-citizens 4,955 2% -15.8%
Racial breakdown
White
55.1%
Black or African American
29%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
3.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9.1%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 139,259 55.1%
Black or African American 73,386 29%
American Indian and Alaska Native 457 0.2%
Asian 9,781 3.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 140 0.1%
Two or more races 22,954 9.1%
Other 6,606 2.6%

Households in Chesapeake

A peek inside Chesapeake households

Chesapeake has 93,626 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.1% are families, while the remaining 28.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
93,626
1.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
27,048
Family households
66,578
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 27,048 28.9% 6.2%
Family households 66,578 71.1% -0.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Chesapeake

The housing landscape of Chesapeake

Chesapeake's housing consists of 96,816 units, with 67.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
96,816
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 65,249 67.4%
1 unit, attached 13,124 13.6%
2 units 1,518 1.6%
3 or 4 units 3,589 3.7%
5 to 9 units 3,640 3.8%
10 to 19 units 3,507 3.6%
20 to 49 units 1,866 1.9%
50 or more units 2,804 2.9%
Mobile home 1,515 1.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0%
Homes built since 2020
1,848
32.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chesapeake

In Chesapeake, the median construction year is 1989. About 2.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,441 2.5% 13.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,701 1.8% -1.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,605 5.8% 6.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 8,825 9.1% 0.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 12,083 12.5% -3.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 19,556 20.2% -0.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 18,508 19.1% -1.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13,030 13.5% 1.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13,219 13.6% 1.9%
Built in 2020 or later 1,848 1.9% 32.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Chesapeake occupancy rates

Out of the 93,626 occupied housing units in Chesapeake, 74.4% are owner-occupied, while 25.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
93,626
1.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
24,011
Owner occupied
69,615
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 24,011 25.6% -0.9%
Owner occupied 69,615 74.4% 2.2%
Unoccupied housing units
3.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Chesapeake housing costs

Housing costs in Chesapeake come to a median of $1,716 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,586.

Median housing costs per month
$1,716/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Chesapeake
$1,586/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Chesapeake

Chesapeake education at a glance

About 30.8% of the population in Chesapeake went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 21.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,823 2% -9.7%
High school diploma 59,099 30.8% 0.6%
College diploma 44,439 23.2% 0.4%
Associate degree 18,444 9.6% -0.1%
Bachelor's degree 40,731 21.3% 1.2%
Graduate degree 25,022 13.1% 3.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Chesapeake

How much people earn in Chesapeake

The average annual household income in Chesapeake was $118,762 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $95,373, reflecting a +1.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chesapeake
$118,762/year
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chesapeake
$95,373/year
1.3% year-over-year change

Chesapeake income by age

In Chesapeake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,980. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $120,145 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,196, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $67,375 in earnings. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,196 1.6%
25 - 44 $98,980 3.6%
45 - 64 $120,145 1.8%
Over 65 $67,375 -0.2%
Above poverty level
222,690
Below poverty level
23,225
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 222,690 90.6% -0.1%
Below poverty level 23,225 9.4% 9.6%

Average renter income in Chesapeake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chesapeake, their median household income was $52,102 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 36.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$52,102
Rent-to-income ratio
36.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Chesapeake

Workforce and job types in Chesapeake

The job market in Chesapeake is powered by 118,688 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 59.9% are employed by private companies, and 22.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
118,688
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
95,414
Blue collar
23,274
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 95,414 80.4% 0.9%
Blue collar 23,274 19.6% -0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
59.9%
Governmental workers
22.8%
Not for profit companies
8.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 10,361 8.7% -2.8%
Private companies 71,130 59.9% 1.1%
Governmental workers 27,093 22.8% 1.9%
Not for profit companies 10,104 8.5% -1.8%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
0.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chesapeake stands at 4.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Chesapeake

How people get around in Chesapeake

Commuting methods vary: 83.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 104,085 83.7% -1.4%
Taxicab 61 0% -47.4%
Bus or trolleybus 649 0.5% 2.7%
Railroad 53 0% N/A
Motorcycle 116 0.1% 14.8%
Bicycle 109 0.1% 55.7%
Walk 1,288 1% 14.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Chesapeake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
23320 59,108 25,741 $84,305 $106,086
23321 40,176 14,562 $101,568 $122,722
23322 66,956 22,096 $134,880 $156,960
23323 43,043 14,631 $108,730 $122,887
23324 24,670 9,241 $57,045 $72,793
23325 19,138 7,464 $69,909 $90,310

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FAQs about Chesapeake demographics 

What is the total population of Chesapeake?

Chesapeake has a total population of 252,583 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chesapeake?

The gender ratio in Chesapeake is as follows:
  • 49.1% males (123,964 residents)
  • 50.9% females (128,619 residents)

What is the median age in Chesapeake?

The median age in Chesapeake is 37.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chesapeake?

The age distribution in Chesapeake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.8% (50,112 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (31,102 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.5% (72,057 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.8% (62,515 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.6% (36,797 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chesapeake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chesapeake is as follows:
  • White: 55.1% (139,259 residents)
  • Black or African American: 29% (73,386 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (457 residents)
  • Asian: 3.9% (9,781 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (140 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.1% (22,954 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (6,606 residents)

What percentage of the population in Chesapeake are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.7% of the population in Chesapeake.

How many housing units are there in Chesapeake?

There are 96,816 housing units in Chesapeake, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Chesapeake and what is the average household size?

Chesapeake has a total of 93,626 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chesapeake?

Chesapeake has a median household income of $95,373, representing a +1.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Chesapeake?

The employment rate is 95.1% in Chesapeake, with a workforce of 118,688 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.4% (95,414 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.6% (23,274 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (10,361 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.9% (71,130 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.8% (27,093 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.5% (10,104 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025