countyscore
39.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.5Health 72.1Weather & Climate 60.4

County Report Card

About Chesapeake city, Virginia

Economic power vs. national norms

Chesapeake city earns a composite score of 39.8, trailing the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a city that provides high earning potential but faces significant cost-of-living and safety pressures.

A high-income hub below state average

The city ranks below the Virginia state average of 50.9. While it stands out as an economic engine, it lags behind many state peers in community safety and housing affordability.

High earnings and quality healthcare

Economic prosperity is a major draw, evidenced by a massive Income Score of 93.5 and a median household income of $94,189. Residents also benefit from strong health infrastructure, which earns a score of 72.1.

Navigating high costs and risk

Housing affordability is a struggle, as shown by a low Cost Score of 5.2 and median home values of $359,100. Furthermore, the city faces challenges in community safety (13.4) and environmental risk (19.2).

The professional's high-income choice

Chesapeake is best for established professionals who prioritize high-income careers and quality healthcare over low living costs. It offers a dynamic urban environment for those with the budget to navigate its competitive housing market.

2040608010051.85.213.472.16093.519.260.4Tax51.8Cost5.2Safety13.4Health72.1Schools60Income93.5Risk19.2Water—Weather60.439.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Chesapeake city DNA

Foverall

How Chesapeake city compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Chesapeake city is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (93.5/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (5.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
51.8
Cost
5.2-42.8
Safety
13.4-41.6
Health
72.1+22.099999999999994
Schools
60
Income
93.5+42.5
Risk
19.2-27.8
Weather
60.4
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Chesapeake city

Whether buying or refinancing in Chesapeake city, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$359,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,523/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$359,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$60,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $94,189/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Chesapeake city with Flathead County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Flathead County
Montana
Median income: $71,327
39.8
Adams County
Nebraska
Median income: $65,680
39.8
Randolph County
North Carolina
Median income: $59,047
39.8
McClain County
Oklahoma
Median income: $84,778
39.8
Barnwell County
South Carolina
Median income: $41,800
39.8
Marlboro County
South Carolina
Median income: $36,293
39.8
Reeves County
Texas
Median income: $56,056
39.8
Tuscaloosa County
Alabama
Median income: $63,947
39.7

Nearby counties

Portsmouth city
Virginia
26.7
Norfolk city
Virginia
27.4
Virginia Beach city
Virginia
44.4
Suffolk city
Virginia
35.8
Hampton city
Virginia
33.3
Camden County
North Carolina
40.4
Newport News city
Virginia
31.1
Isle of Wight County
Virginia
48.1

Deep Dives

Chesapeake city across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Chesapeake city

via CrimeByCounty

Chesapeake Near National Averages

Chesapeake reports a total crime rate of 2493.0 per 100K, slightly exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. The city holds a safety score of 96.1 out of 100.

State Comparisons for Chesapeake

Chesapeake's safety score of 96.1 is just below the Virginia state average of 97.3. As a single-agency city, these figures offer a focused look at the urban safety landscape in Hampton Roads.

Comparing Major Coastal Cities

The crime rate of 2493.0 per 100K is higher than the state average of 1728.8. However, it remains competitive with other large coastal cities in the immediate region.

Understanding Local Crime Risks

Property crime stands at 2063.5 per 100K, which is nearly identical to the national average. Violent crime is 429.5 per 100K, slightly higher than the national rate of 369.8.

Security for Coastal Residents

Because property crime aligns with national norms, residents should prioritize home automation and alarm systems. These tools provide an extra layer of defense in a busy metropolitan area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Chesapeake city

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Educational Network in Chesapeake

Chesapeake City operates a sprawling system of 50 public schools, serving a massive enrollment of 40,769 students. This extensive infrastructure includes 28 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 7 high schools. Two districts manage this complex network, which also includes special education and alternative schools.

Consistently Strong Graduation Outcomes

Chesapeake maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. The city invests $8,313 per pupil, exceeding the state average of $7,941 and supporting a high-quality learning environment. These metrics result in a strong school score of 56.4, outperforming the state average of 54.8.

Chesapeake City Public Schools Powerhouse

The Chesapeake City Public Schools district is the primary driver, managing 48 schools and the entire 40,769-student population. While there are no charter schools, the district offers a wide variety of specialized programs and alternative education centers. This unified approach ensures consistent standards across one of the state's largest student bodies.

Suburban Excellence on a Large Scale

The majority of schools—43 out of 50—are located in suburban areas, with seven rural campuses providing variety. Grassfield High and Oscar F. Smith High are massive institutions, each serving over 2,200 students. With an average school size of 906, Chesapeake offers a large-scale, resource-rich environment for its students.

Find Your Suburban Dream in Chesapeake

Families seeking top-performing suburban schools and a wide variety of extracurriculars will find Chesapeake hard to beat. The city's high graduation rate and strong school scores make it a magnet for home buyers in the Hampton Roads area. Look for homes in the Western Branch or Grassfield areas to join these sought-after school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Chesapeake city

via WaterByCounty

Safe Drinking Water Act Transparency in Chesapeake

While direct compliance grades are currently unavailable for this jurisdiction, the state of Virginia averages 126.9 health violations per 100,000 residents. Residents should stay informed through local utility reports for the most recent health-based violation data. This baseline ensures a constant signal of water safety grounded in federal standards.

Local Watersheds Exceed State Impairment Averages

The 2022 assessment cycle shows that 78.9% of the city's 57 assessed water bodies fail Clean Water Act standards. This rate is significantly higher than the Virginia state average of 46.1%. Major concerns include dissolved oxygen levels, PCBs in fish tissue, and dioxin presence.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage Across 37 Sites

Technicians recorded 22,327 individual measurements across 37 local monitoring sites over the last five years. These efforts prioritize physical, nutrient, and microbiological characteristics to track ecosystem health. This dense data network provides a robust picture of local water quality trends.

Drinking Water Compliance Remains the Primary Signal

Chesapeake currently lacks a primary representative USGS streamgage for real-time flow tracking. In the absence of live flow data, residents should rely on drinking water compliance records as the most available health signal. Local utilities continue to monitor source water regardless of automated gauge availability.

Actionable Steps for Chesapeake Water Safety

With nearly 80% of local water bodies impaired, residents should be cautious of consuming locally caught fish due to PCB and dioxin concerns. Installing high-quality home filtration can provide an extra layer of protection against localized contaminants. Staying engaged with the city's annual water quality reports ensures you are aware of any shifts in compliance.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chesapeake city

via WeatherByCounty

A humid, coastal southern climate

Chesapeake's 60.4°F average annual temperature is significantly higher than the national median. The city's proximity to the coast drives high humidity and warm nights.

One of Virginia's warmest cities

Chesapeake is much warmer than the average Virginia county, exceeding the state mean by 4.5 degrees. It is also wetter than average, receiving 51.4 inches of rain compared to the state's 45.7 inches.

Warmest in the immediate region

At 60.4°F, Chesapeake is far warmer than inland Charlotte County, which sits at 57.3°F. The city also experiences significantly higher rainfall than its neighbors to the west.

Over two months of extreme heat

The city endures 67 days of extreme heat over 90°F, more than double many other Virginia counties. While specific snowfall data is unavailable, winter averages remain a mild 43.0°F.

Drainage and cooling are essential

With over 51 inches of annual rain and 67 days of extreme heat, focus on flood prevention and high-efficiency cooling. Outdoor activities are best planned for early morning to avoid the oppressive summer humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chesapeake city

via SoilByCounty

Acidic and organic-rich

Chesapeake's soil has an average pH of 5.02, which is more acidic than the state average of 5.23. Despite the acidity, it is a highly unique soil profile for the region.

Sandy soil with low clay

The soil is 54.2% sand and only 9.2% clay, the lowest clay content in the group. This allows for very fast drainage, though it can make keeping nutrients in the root zone a challenge.

Exceptional organic matter

At a massive 9.26%, the organic matter here is nearly triple the state average of 2.90%. This leads to a superior available water capacity of 0.160 in/in, making this soil naturally very productive.

High-capacity hydrology

While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the combination of high sand and high organic matter creates a sponge-like effect. It absorbs water quickly and holds it effectively for plant use.

Tropical vibes in Zone 8a

As a warmer 8a zone, Chesapeake can grow everything from figs to late-season camellias. Your high organic matter is a gardener's dream, so start planting your dream landscape today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chesapeake city

via LawnByCounty

Chesapeake's Challenging Turf Environment

Maintaining a lawn in Chesapeake is significantly harder than average, with a difficulty score of 39.6 compared to the national median of 50.0. The city sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, which supports warm-season grasses but requires more intensive management. This score also falls well below the Virginia state average of 55.4, indicating unique local stressors.

High Heat and Heavy Rainfall

Chesapeake faces 67 extreme heat days annually, more than double the state average of 28. While 51.4 inches of annual precipitation provides ample water, the intense humidity and 4,835 growing degree days demand a rigorous mowing schedule. Gardeners must balance this high moisture against the stress of frequent temperatures over 90°F.

Managing Acidic Coastal Soils

Local soil pH sits at a very acidic 5.02, falling far below the ideal lawn range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil is composed of 54.2% sand, which promotes drainage but allows nutrients to leach away quickly. Significant lime applications are typically necessary here to raise the pH and unlock soil nutrients for turfgrass.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

The city experienced 10 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry. Even with high annual rainfall, these dry patches require supplemental irrigation to prevent dormancy. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps grass roots survive Chesapeake's high-evaporation afternoons.

Start Your Zone 8a Lawn

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia thrive in this climate and should be established after the last frost on April 20. With a long growing season extending until the first frost on November 18, there is plenty of time for roots to take hold. Start your soil testing now to correct that low pH before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chesapeake city's county score?
Chesapeake city, Virginia has a composite county score of 39.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Chesapeake city rank among counties in Virginia?
Chesapeake city ranks #111 among all counties in Virginia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Chesapeake city, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Chesapeake city is $2,937, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Chesapeake city a tax score of 51.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chesapeake city?
The median household income in Chesapeake city, Virginia is $94,189 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chesapeake city earns an income score of 93.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chesapeake city, Virginia a good place to live?
Chesapeake city scores 39.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #111 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Chesapeake city is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Chesapeake city with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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