Chesterfield County

Virginia · VA

#115 in Virginia
63.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Chesterfield County, Virginia

Chesterfield clearly outperforms nationally

Chesterfield's 64.1 composite score exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 28%, placing it solidly in the top tier of U.S. counties. The county's strength in tax efficiency and household income demonstrate above-average livability conditions.

Mid-tier performer in Virginia

Chesterfield's 64.1 score trails Virginia's state average of 70.3, positioning it slightly below the middle of Virginia counties. The gap suggests the state's strongest counties significantly outpace Chesterfield on overall livability.

Lowest tax burden and strong earnings

Chesterfield boasts the lowest effective tax rate among these eight counties at 0.783%, paired with a tax score of 80.2 that prioritizes fiscal efficiency. With median household income of $98,910, the county supports affluent households seeking tax-advantaged living.

Housing costs and missing metrics

The cost score of 56.1 and median home value of $336,700 signal moderate housing affordability, with rent at $1,542/month adding to expense concerns. Safety, school quality, and health data gaps prevent a complete livability evaluation.

Ideal for affluent, tax-focused families

Chesterfield attracts high-earning households and retirees prioritizing tax savings and stable property values over affordable housing. The county delivers better-than-average livability but falls short of Virginia's strongest communities, making it best suited to those valuing fiscal efficiency.

Score breakdown

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

Tax80.2Cost56.1SafetyComing SoonHealth77SchoolsComing SoonIncome47.9Risk15.2WaterComing Soon
🏛80.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠56.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼47.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
77
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
15.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Chesterfield County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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