City of Chesapeake, Virginia
Quick answer: The City of Chesapeake is an independent city in Virginia. Its estimated population in 2025 was 255,332, up 2.4% since 2020. It covers about 338 square miles of land.
| Type | independent city |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1963 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 255,332 |
| Population, 2020 estimate | 249,655 |
| Change 2020–2025 | 2.3% |
| Rank by population in Virginia | 7 of 133 |
Overview
The City of Chesapeake is one of Virginia's 38 independent cities. In Virginia, an independent city is not part of any county; it runs its own local government, courts and schools.[1] Its founding date is recorded as 1963.[2] The name comes from Chesapeake people.[2]
Population of Chesapeake
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the City of Chesapeake at 255,332 in July 2025, up 2.4% from the April 2020 base of 249,251.[1] That made it 7th of Virginia's 133 counties and independent cities by population. It ranked 55th for growth since 2020.[1]
From 2020 to 2025 the Census Bureau counted about 14,754 births and 11,246 deaths, a natural increase of 3,508.[1] More people moved in from other parts of the United States than moved away. Net domestic migration was 590. Moves from abroad added 1,868.[1]
Geography
The City of Chesapeake covers 338.5 square miles of land and 12.5 square miles of water.[3] By land area it ranks 57th of 133 in Virginia.[3] It had about 754 people per square mile in 2025, so it is a mix of towns and countryside. Its geographic center lies near 36.68° N, 76.30° W.[3]
The city borders the City of Norfolk, the City of Portsmouth, the City of Suffolk and the City of Virginia Beach in Virginia, as well as land in North Carolina.[4]
The U.S. Geological Survey place-name database lists 26 named streams and 2 lakes and reservoirs in the city.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is Chesapeake in a county?
No. Chesapeake is an independent city, so it is not part of any county.
What is the population of the City of Chesapeake?
About 255,332 people in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
How big is the City of Chesapeake?
About 338 square miles of land, plus 12.5 square miles of water.
References
- [1] U.S. Census Bureau, County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2025 (Vintage 2025) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [2] Wikidata, Chesapeake city, Virginia (open data, CC0) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [3] U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Gazetteer Files: Counties – last checked 11/08/2026
- [4] U.S. Census Bureau, County Adjacency File (2024) – last checked 11/08/2026
- [5] U.S. Geological Survey, Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), Domestic Names – last checked 11/08/2026
Official website: www.cityofchesapeake.net
Boundary on the map: Census TIGERweb. See all counties and cities on the map.