CountyScore

Chesapeake city

Virginia · VA

#120 in Virginia
61.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Chesapeake city, Virginia

Chesapeake outpaces national average

Chesapeake's composite score of 62.0 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 24% advantage over the national benchmark reflects stronger-than-average tax efficiency and income levels across the city.

Below average for Virginia

Chesapeake's 62.0 score falls below Virginia's state average of 70.3, ranking it in the lower-middle tier among the state's counties. Despite solid national performance, the city trails many of its Virginia peers on overall livability metrics.

Tax efficiency and solid income

Chesapeake shines with a tax score of 79.3 and an effective tax rate of just 0.818%, providing residents with meaningful tax savings. Median household income of $94,189 reflects a reasonably affluent community, though housing costs at $1,523/month for rent reflect moderate affordability challenges.

Housing affordability and incomplete picture

The cost score of 53.2 and median home value of $359,100 suggest housing is less affordable than in some comparable areas. Critical data on safety, schools, and health remain unavailable, leaving gaps in the full livability assessment.

Best for tax-conscious professionals

Chesapeake suits upper-middle-income professionals and established families seeking tax advantages and stable employment, though they should weigh higher housing costs. The city offers more livability than the national norm but requires deeper research into schools and safety before committing.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.3Cost53.2SafetyComing SoonHealth74.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome44.9Risk19.2WaterComing Soon
🏛79.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡19.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Chesapeake city with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Douglas County
Colorado
61.5
Median income: $145,737
Forsyth County
Georgia
61.5
Median income: $138,000
Williamson County
Illinois
61.5
Median income: $65,521
Dimmit County
Texas
61.5
Median income: $33,409
Lamb County
Texas
61.5
Median income: $56,997

Deep Dives

Chesapeake city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Chesapeake city

via TaxByCounty

Chesapeake taxes above national average

Chesapeake's effective tax rate of 0.818% sits well above the national median of 0.72%, placing the city in the higher tier nationally. The median property tax here is $2,937, compared to the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher home values and a steeper tax burden.

Among Virginia's highest tax rates

Chesapeake ranks as one of Virginia's most expensive property tax jurisdictions, with an effective rate of 0.818% versus the state average of 0.671%. The city collects a median of $2,937 annually per household, nearly 50% above Virginia's state median of $1,960.

Pricier than surrounding Tidewater areas

Chesapeake's $2,937 median property tax exceeds neighboring Chesterfield County's $2,636, though both cities serve affluent suburban markets in the greater Richmond and Hampton Roads regions. The city's 0.818% effective rate makes it one of the region's steeper tax burdens.

What homeowners pay annually

A typical Chesapeake homeowner with a $359,100 median-valued property pays approximately $2,937 in annual property taxes. Whether financing or owning outright, the tax bill remains consistent around $2,932–$2,951 yearly.

Your home might be overassessed

Many Chesapeake homeowners unknowingly pay taxes on inflated property valuations—a common issue that appeals can correct. Filing a reassessment challenge costs nothing and could reduce your annual tax burden by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chesapeake city

via CostByCounty

Chesapeake rents slightly above national affordability

At 19.4%, Chesapeake's rent-to-income ratio sits just above the national comfort zone, meaning renters here spend a bit more of their paychecks on housing than the typical American. The city's median household income of $94,189 is 26% higher than the national average of $74,755, which helps offset the $1,523 monthly rent burden.

Chesapeake ranks near middle among Virginia cities

Chesapeake's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Virginia's state average of 18.6%, placing it in the middle tier for housing affordability across the state. Despite paying more toward rent than the typical Virginia renter, Chesapeake residents earn well above state norms, providing cushion for other expenses.

Chesapeake costs more than nearby military cities

Chesapeake's $1,523 monthly rent runs higher than Colonial Heights ($1,162), though both cities draw military families and retirees. Colonial Heights offers a similar rent-to-income ratio (18.3%) but with a lower income baseline ($76,250 vs. $94,189), making it the more budget-conscious alternative in the region.

Renters and owners share the housing burden equally

Chesapeake renters pay $1,523 monthly while homeowners carry $1,787 in mortgage costs—both moderate by regional standards. At 19.4% of income going to rent, a typical household spends roughly $1,520 monthly on housing, leaving the remaining $7,600 of their monthly income for food, transportation, and savings.

Consider Chesapeake for stable military-adjacent living

If you're relocating for military service or seeking a diverse, established community with solid income opportunities, Chesapeake's balanced affordability and $94K median income make it a practical choice. Compare it against more affordable neighbors like Colonial Heights if you prioritize lower housing costs over larger community amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chesapeake city

via IncomeByCounty

Chesapeake earns well above U.S. average

Chesapeake's median household income of $94,189 runs 26% higher than the national median of $74,755, placing the city in the top tier of earners nationwide. This gap reflects Chesapeake's strong economic base and skilled workforce.

Third-highest earners in Virginia

With a median household income of $94,189, Chesapeake ranks among Virginia's highest-earning jurisdictions, outpacing the state average of $74,957 by nearly $20,000. Only a handful of Virginia counties exceed Chesapeake's earning power.

Competitive income, modest homes nearby

Chesapeake's $94,189 median sits between Culpeper County ($96,098) and Colonial Heights ($76,250), reflecting a diverse economic corridor in Hampton Roads. Median home values range from $231,700 in Colonial Heights to $386,400 in Culpeper, showing local real estate variation.

Income covers living costs comfortably

Chesapeake households spend just 19.4% of income on rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold, while median home values of $359,100 remain accessible to dual-income families. This healthy ratio indicates strong purchasing power relative to housing costs.

Build on Chesapeake's economic strength

With per capita income of $43,819 and manageable housing costs, Chesapeake households are positioned to invest beyond basic expenses. Consider wealth-building strategies like retirement accounts, home equity investments, and diversified portfolios to maximize your earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Chesapeake city

via HealthByCounty

Chesapeake's life expectancy edges ahead

At 76.9 years, Chesapeake residents live longer than the typical American—and 1.8 years longer than Virginia's state average of 75.1 years. The city's 16.4% poor or fair health rate sits below the national average, suggesting a relatively healthy population with good health outcomes.

Chesapeake ranks among Virginia's healthiest

Chesapeake outperforms Virginia on life expectancy by nearly two years and boasts lower rates of poor health than its state peers. The city's uninsured rate of 6.8% beats Virginia's 7.9% average, indicating strong health coverage across the community.

Stronger health than nearby peer cities

Chesapeake's 76.9-year life expectancy exceeds Colonial Heights (71.8 years) and Covington (69.1 years), and its 16.4% poor health rate is healthier than both neighbors. The city also supplies 78 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, providing solid access to routine care.

Good coverage, adequate primary care access

With 6.8% of residents uninsured—below state average—most Chesapeake residents have health insurance coverage. The city supports 78 primary care providers and 210 mental health providers per 100,000 people, ensuring reasonable access to preventive and behavioral health services.

Check your health insurance options today

Even in a well-insured city like Chesapeake, nearly 7% of residents lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or your state marketplace to explore plan options, financial assistance, and enrollment deadlines that may help you secure affordable coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chesapeake city

via RiskByCounty

Chesapeake faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 80.85, Chesapeake ranks as relatively low-risk but sits well above the national average. Hurricane exposure drives much of this vulnerability, with a 92.03 risk score that reflects the city's coastal location on the Hampton Roads.

Second-highest risk among Virginia counties

Chesapeake's score of 80.85 substantially exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, ranking it among the state's most at-risk communities. This elevated standing reflects both its size and geographic exposure to multiple hazard types.

Riskier than inland Virginia peers

Chesapeake's composite score of 80.85 far exceeds nearby Chesterfield County (84.83) and other neighboring regions, though coastal positioning makes direct comparison challenging. Its hurricane risk of 92.03 stands uniquely high compared to inland counties across the state.

Hurricanes and flooding dominate here

Hurricane risk reaches 92.03 in Chesapeake, the single largest threat facing the city, while flood risk of 82.86 compounds coastal vulnerability. These two hazards account for the bulk of the city's composite risk profile and warrant serious preparedness focus.

Hurricane and flood insurance are essential

Coastal residents in Chesapeake should prioritize flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Consider additional hurricane coverage and regular roof inspections given the city's 92.03 hurricane risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.