Chatham, Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Chatham, Virginia had a total population of 1,448, the 325th largest town in Virginia, with a median household income of $58,661, which is 37% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 37% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Chatham Quick Facts
How Chatham Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,535 | 1,448 | -5.7% |
| Median household income | $54,485 | $58,661 | +7.7% |
| Median home value | $168,100 | $174,300 | +3.7% |
How Chatham Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 61 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chatham Rankings in Virginia
Explore Virginia Rankings
Other Cities in Pittsylvania County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Hermon | 4,155 | $81,435 | 6.9% | $211,600 |
| Gretna | 1,452 | $33,698 | 42.2% | $138,800 |
| Hurt | 1,361 | $59,000 | 16.7% | $150,600 |
| Blairs | 1,062 | $49,818 | 8.8% | $158,700 |
| Motley | 987 | $55,529 | 12.8% | $146,900 |
Cities Similar to Chatham
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shawsville | 1,411 | N/A | $101,600 | 15.3% | 17.4% |
| Gordonsville | 1,459 | $61,556 | $272,800 | 26.0% | 14.1% |
| Kenbridge | 1,432 | $61,603 | $154,400 | 28.3% | 7.5% |
| Onancock | 1,433 | $54,500 | $294,400 | 40.1% | 21.3% |
| Halifax | 1,496 | $55,792 | $219,300 | 36.7% | 11.9% |
Population Overview
Chatham is a small community located in Virginia, within Pittsylvania County. The total population is 1,448. It ranks as the 325th most populous out of 681 Census-designated places in Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chatham is 38.7 years. This is about the same as the state median of 39.0 years. 11.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Chatham is $58,661. This is 37% lower than the state median of $93,170. It is also 27% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%. This is 22% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.9%. The unemployment rate is 3.3%. This is 22% lower than the state rate of 4.3%. The median home value is $174,300. Housing costs are 55% lower than the state median of $383,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 67.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Chatham is White (non-Hispanic), making up 73.1% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 13.1%.
Education
36.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 42.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chatham, Virginia is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Virginia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 681 Census-designated places in Virginia. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chatham, Virginia?
Chatham, Virginia has a population of 1,448 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chatham, VA?
The median household income in Chatham is $58,661, which is 27% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Chatham, VA?
The poverty rate in Chatham is 7.8%. This means approximately 101 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chatham, Virginia?
Chatham's population is 73.1% White, 13.1% Black, 6.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chatham, VA?
The median home value in Chatham is $174,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Chatham, Virginia?
36.1% of adults (25+) in Chatham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.