43.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 95Water Quality 86Health 80

County Report Card

About Chesterfield County, Virginia

Suburban strength near national median

Chesterfield County holds a composite score of 43.3, which sits slightly below the national median of 50.0. It functions as a robust economic center with modern infrastructure and high earnings.

Trailing the Commonwealth average

At 43.3, the county remains under the Virginia state average of 50.9. While it is a wealthy jurisdiction, its overall ranking is dampened by high housing costs and environmental risk factors.

Prosperity meets reliable utilities

The county boasts an exceptional Income Score of 95.0, supported by a median household income of $98,910. Residents also enjoy high-quality services, with a Water Score of 86.0 and a Health Score of 80.0.

Competitive housing and community safety

Affordability is the primary hurdle, reflected in a Cost Score of 6.7 and median gross rents of $1,542. Safety and Risk scores of 30.2 and 15.2 respectively suggest room for improvement in community security and environmental resilience.

The affluent family's suburban haven

This county is ideal for high-earning families who value top-tier healthcare and reliable public utilities. It suits those who view expensive real estate as a worthwhile trade-off for economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

Tax54.7Cost6.7Safety30.2Health80Schools38.5Income95Risk15.2Water86Weather65.8
🏛54.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠6.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼95
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡30.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
80
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓38.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
15.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤65.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨14
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱60.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Chesterfield County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Chesterfield County

via TaxByCounty

Chesterfield slightly above national norm

Chesterfield's effective tax rate of 0.783% exceeds the national median of 0.72%, though it remains moderate compared to high-tax states. The median property tax of $2,636 nearly matches the national median of $2,690, despite Chesterfield homes being worth more at $336,700 versus the national median of $281,900.

Second-highest tax rate in Virginia

Chesterfield's 0.783% effective rate ranks among Virginia's steepest, trailing only a handful of cities and exceeding the state average of 0.671%. The median tax bill of $2,636 is 35% above Virginia's state median of $1,960.

Moderate burden in the Richmond region

Chesterfield's $2,636 median property tax is slightly lower than Chesapeake city's $2,937 but higher than rural neighbors like Cumberland County's $1,398. The county balances suburban growth with relatively competitive tax rates for the greater Richmond metro area.

Typical annual tax bill here

A homeowner with Chesterfield's median-valued property of $336,700 pays approximately $2,636 in annual property taxes. The tax remains consistent whether you carry a mortgage or own outright.

Reassessments could lower your bill

Chesterfield regularly reassesses properties, but many homeowners accept inflated valuations without challenge. A formal appeal—often free—can uncover assessment errors and potentially save you significant money each year.

Cost of Living in Chesterfield County

via CostByCounty

Chesterfield rents are just barely affordable nationally

At 18.7%, Chesterfield's rent-to-income ratio sits nearly at the national affordability standard of 18.6%, meaning renters here keep an appropriate share of income for non-housing expenses. With a median household income of $98,910—32% above the national average—residents have strong income relative to the $1,542 monthly rent.

Chesterfield edges out Virginia's affordability average

At 18.7%, Chesterfield sits just slightly above Virginia's state average rent-to-income ratio of 18.6%, ranking it among the more affordable major counties in the state. The county's high median income of $98,910 helps maintain this competitive position despite rents running above the state median of $1,140.

Chesterfield balances costs between wealthy suburbs and rural areas

Chesterfield's $1,542 rent falls between wealthier Culpeper ($1,417) and premium Clarke County ($1,360), while substantially exceeding rural options like Cumberland ($847). As Richmond's prosperous suburb, Chesterfield offers suburban amenities at prices between urban and rural Virginia options.

Owners pay slightly less than renters in Chesterfield

Renters spend $1,542 monthly while homeowners pay $1,570 in mortgage costs—nearly identical despite different market dynamics. At 18.7% of a typical household's $8,243 monthly income, housing costs consume roughly $1,541, leaving substantial income for other necessities and discretionary spending.

Chesterfield works best for established households seeking stability

If you want suburban Richmond living with strong schools and job markets without premium pricing, Chesterfield's balanced affordability and nearly $99K median income deliver both stability and accessibility. First-time renters might explore more affordable counties, while families with solid incomes will find solid value here.

Income & Jobs in Chesterfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Chesterfield tops national income benchmarks

Chesterfield County's median household income of $98,910 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 32%, making it one of the most affluent counties in the United States. This $24,155 income advantage reflects a prosperous, growing suburban economy.

Virginia's second-wealthiest county

Chesterfield's $98,910 median household income ranks second in Virginia, trailing only Clarke County, and surpasses the state average of $74,957 by $23,953. The county's consistent economic growth sustains this top-tier position.

Wealthiest in Richmond's suburbs

Chesterfield's $98,910 median income edges out Culpeper County ($96,098) and Chesapeake ($94,189), establishing it as the income leader among Richmond-area neighbors. Median home values of $336,700 reflect strong property demand in the region.

Housing remains highly affordable here

At 18.7% of median income, Chesterfield's rent-to-income ratio is among Virginia's lowest, signaling strong affordability for renters and homeowners alike. Median home values of $336,700 remain accessible to the median household.

Leverage Chesterfield's wealth-building climate

Chesterfield's per capita income of $46,772 and favorable housing costs create room for aggressive savings and investment strategies. Households here should prioritize long-term wealth through retirement savings, real estate appreciation, and diversified investment portfolios.

Safety in Chesterfield County

via CrimeByCounty

Chesterfield Maintains High Safety Scores

Chesterfield County earns a safety score of 97.4, placing it among the safer regions in the United States. Its total crime rate of 1,661.4 per 100,000 residents sits comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5. Local law enforcement manages a total volume significantly lower than national benchmarks.

Leading Above the Virginia Average

The county's safety score of 97.4 slightly outperforms the Virginia state average of 97.3. With a total crime rate of 1,661.4, Chesterfield remains more secure than the state average of 1,728.8 per 100,000 people. This performance reinforces its reputation as a stable suburban anchor.

A Safer Profile Than Nearby Cities

Compared to neighboring Colonial Heights city, which sees a rate of 4,124.9, Chesterfield is considerably quieter. While surrounding urban centers face higher activity, Chesterfield maintains a rate nearly 60% lower than its neighbor. This creates a distinct safety buffer for the county's residents.

Property Incidents Outpace Violent Crime

Violent crime in Chesterfield stands at 207.9 per 100,000 residents, lower than the national average of 369.8. The vast majority of reported incidents are property-related, which occur at a rate of 1,453.5 per 100,000 people. Two primary reporting agencies coordinate these safety efforts across the county.

Keeping Your Chesterfield Home Secure

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should prioritize home security and lighting. Simple preventative measures help maintain the county's high safety rating of 97.4. Staying alert to local trends ensures these numbers continue to trend downward.

Health in Chesterfield County

via HealthByCounty

Chesterfield's health outcomes lead Virginia

At 77.8 years, Chesterfield residents have the longest life expectancy of the eight counties analyzed—2.7 years above Virginia's state average and well above the US average. The county's 14.3% poor or fair health rate represents some of the healthiest self-reported health status in the region.

Chesterfield's life expectancy tops the state

Chesterfield's 77.8-year life expectancy outpaces Virginia by 2.7 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. At 7.0% uninsured, Chesterfield also exceeds the state average for coverage, with 267 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest rate among peer counties.

Healthier outcomes than surrounding counties

Chesterfield's 77.8-year life expectancy leads Clarke County (77.3 years) and Cumberland County (76.6 years), and its 14.3% poor health rate is the lowest among nearby peers. The county supplies 81 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, supporting strong preventive care access.

Excellent coverage and provider density

Chesterfield's 7.0% uninsured rate is among Virginia's lowest, meaning most residents have active health coverage. With 81 primary care providers and 267 mental health providers per 100,000 people, the county offers robust access to both physical and mental health care.

Ensure continuous coverage for your family

Even in well-insured Chesterfield, about one in 14 residents lacks health insurance. Visit healthcare.gov or explore Medicaid eligibility to find coverage options that work for your family's health and budget.

Schools in Chesterfield County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Network of Suburban Schools

Chesterfield County operates a massive educational infrastructure featuring 74 total public schools across a single district. The system serves 63,916 students through 41 elementary, 12 middle, and 11 high schools, plus 10 specialized facilities.

Strong Graduation Rates on an Efficient Budget

The county achieves an 89.0% graduation rate, matching the Virginia state average and exceeding the national benchmark of 87.0%. Despite a school score of 52.5, the district operates efficiently with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,786, which is lower than both the state average of $7,941 and the national average of $13,000.

Unified Under Chesterfield County Public Schools

Chesterfield County Public Schools manages all 73 standard public schools in the area, serving the entire student body of nearly 64,000. There are currently no charter schools in operation, representing 0.0% of the educational landscape.

Suburban Learning Environments for Large Student Bodies

With 66 schools located in suburban areas and 8 in rural settings, the county offers a predominantly residential feel with an average school size of 983 students. Thomas Dale High is the largest facility with 2,556 students, while Midlothian High and Manchester High also serve over 2,000 students each.

Investing in Your Family's Future

Families looking for high-capacity schools and reliable graduation rates will find plenty of options in this suburban powerhouse. As you search for a home, consider how being part of one of Virginia's largest and most consistent districts can benefit your children.

Disaster Risk in Chesterfield County

via RiskByCounty

Chesterfield ranks moderately above national average

With a composite risk score of 84.83, Chesterfield registers as relatively moderate risk and significantly exceeds the national average. Earthquake risk of 89.63 and flood risk of 89.47 are the primary drivers of this elevated profile.

Highest-risk county in Virginia

Chesterfield's composite score of 84.83 dramatically exceeds Virginia's state average of 33.27, making it the state's most at-risk community. This distinction reflects the county's diverse hazard exposure across earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Chesterfield's 84.83 composite score substantially exceeds Culpeper County (46.25) and Cumberland County (19.72) to the northwest and south. The county's unique combination of seismic and flood vulnerability sets it apart from neighboring regions.

Earthquakes and floods pose major threats

Earthquake risk of 89.63 and flood risk of 89.47 dominate Chesterfield's hazard profile, with tornado risk of 76.78 adding additional concern. The county's position near the East Coast seismic zone and proximity to major waterways create compounded exposure.

Multi-hazard insurance coverage is critical

Chesterfield residents should secure comprehensive flood insurance and earthquake coverage, as both hazards rank among the state's highest. Review your homeowners policy annually and consider additional seismic reinforcement for structures in high-risk zones.

Weather & Climate in Chesterfield County

via WeatherByCounty

A wet climate with average temperatures

Chesterfield County receives 46.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the national average. While specific annual temperature data is limited, the county shares the regional humid subtropical profile.

Typical rainfall for Central Virginia

The county's 46.3 inches of annual precipitation slightly exceeds the Virginia state average of 45.7 inches. Data for annual temperature is currently unavailable for this specific jurisdiction.

Consistent precipitation with nearby counties

Chesterfield's 46.3 inches of rain is very similar to Caroline County's 44.8 inches. It experiences typical Central Virginia weather patterns with reliable year-round moisture.

Moderate snow and humid summers

The county averages 9.8 inches of snowfall annually, typical for the Richmond metro area. While specific heat data is unavailable, neighboring counties suggest hot, humid summers are the norm.

Manage water and winter prep

Ensure residential drainage systems can handle over 46 inches of annual rain. Prepare for nearly 10 inches of snow each winter, though major accumulations are infrequent.

Soil Quality in Chesterfield County

via SoilByCounty

Chesterfield's Acidic Ground Profile

Chesterfield's soil sits at a pH of 5.17, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While local taxonomic and texture data are limited, the county's overall soil score of 14.0 suggests a landscape that requires careful management compared to the state average of 30.6.

A Sandy Foundation with Quick Drainage

The soil is dominated by 63.4% sand, balanced with 23.0% silt and 13.6% clay. This high sand content ensures the earth is easy to work and drains rapidly, though it may struggle to retain vital nutrients for long periods.

Bridging the Organic Matter Gap

Organic matter measures 1.47%, falling short of the 2.0% national average and the 2.90% state benchmark. With an available water capacity of 0.124 in/in, this soil holds less moisture for plants than the average Virginia soil.

Managing Water in Sandy Terrain

While specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unlisted, the high sand percentage implies a naturally well-draining profile. Builders and gardeners should prepare for soil that dries out quickly between rain events.

Resilient Planting in Zone 7b

Hardiness zone 7b supports a long growing season for heat-loving crops like peppers and tomatoes. Gardeners can overcome the low organic matter by incorporating compost to build a thriving, productive harvest.

Lawn Care in Chesterfield County

via LawnByCounty

Easier Growing in Chesterfield

Chesterfield County earns a lawn difficulty score of 60.9, making it easier to maintain a yard here than in much of the state. This score beats both the national average of 50.0 and the Virginia average of 55.4. Residents in Hardiness Zone 7b benefit from a relatively favorable environment for common turf varieties.

Ideal Rainfall for Virginia Turf

The county receives 46.3 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns perfectly with the state average and falls within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawns. While specific heat and growing day data are limited for this area, the rainfall levels support steady growth. Standard maintenance usually suffices to keep local lawns green through the peak season.

Sandy Soil Needs Nutrient Support

With a sand content of 63.4%, Chesterfield soils offer excellent drainage but may struggle to retain moisture and fertilizer. The average soil pH is 5.17, which is acidic enough to require regular lime treatments to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. Incorporating organic matter can help improve the water-holding capacity of these sandy profiles.

Resilient Landscapes in Dry Years

Chesterfield saw only 3 weeks of drought in the past year, though 64.8% of the county currently shows as abnormally dry. This lower drought frequency compared to neighbors gives local lawns a better chance at sustained health. Efficient irrigation during these short dry spells prevents the sandy soil from drying out too completely.

Best Grasses for Zone 7b

Tall fescue is a popular choice for this zone, though warm-season Bermuda also performs well. Since specific local frost dates are not available, watching for the arrival of steady 60-degree soil temperatures is the best cue for seeding. With a better-than-average difficulty score, your efforts here are likely to yield a lush, healthy lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chesterfield County's county score?
Chesterfield County, Virginia has a composite county score of 43.3 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 Chesterfield County rank among counties in Virginia?
Chesterfield County ranks #104 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 Chesterfield County, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Chesterfield County is $2,636, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Chesterfield County a tax score of 54.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chesterfield County?
The median household income in Chesterfield County, Virginia is $98,910 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chesterfield County earns an income score of 95/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chesterfield County, Virginia a good place to live?
Chesterfield County scores 43.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #104 in Virginia. The best way to evaluate Chesterfield County 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 Chesterfield County with other counties side by side.