Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chester Gap, VA
Thinking of moving to Chester Gap, VA? With a close-knit population of about 1,200, Chester Gap offers affordable living—median home prices are $265,000 and rents average $1,100. Residents enjoy low crime rates, over 58% sunny days annually, and a peaceful, scenic setting in the Shenandoah region. Commute times average 34 minutes, and while the area is rural, families benefit from solid local schools and convenient access to healthcare. Chester Gap is ideal for those seeking small-town charm with easy access to nature and nearby amenities.
Demographics - Chester Gap, VA
Demographics - Chester Gap, VA
Chester Gap is home to around 1,200 residents, with a median age of 46.2 and a balanced gender ratio. The community is predominantly White (85%), with small Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and mature age profile contribute to a peaceful, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
1,200
Density:
220 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
6.0%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
7.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chester Gap, VA?
Chester Gap offers a relatively affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $265,000 and average rent of $1,100 per month. The area's cost of living index is below the national average, especially in housing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families and retirees. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, helping residents maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.8
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
80.9
Utilities:
98.3
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
94.1
Crime
Is Chester Gap, VA a safe place to live?
The town experiences low crime rates, with just 128 violent crimes and 780 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe place to live. Residents have a relatively low risk of encountering crime, which adds to Chester Gap's appeal for families and retirees. The peaceful environment is one of its standout features.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
128
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
908
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 780
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 128
Weather
What is the weather like in Chester Gap, VA year-round?
Chester Gap enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 85°F and mild winters with lows around 26°F. The area receives about 38.7 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 58% sunny days, perfect for enjoying the scenic outdoors. Residents can expect comfortable springs and colorful autumns, making outdoor activities popular year-round.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Typical households in Chester Gap have a median income of $64,200, with a family median of $74,400 and a poverty rate of 10.2%. Most residents commute about 34 minutes to work and unemployment is low at 3.1%. The community is predominantly English-speaking and well-educated, with nearly 88% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$64,200
Family Income:
$74,400
Per Capita Income:
$32,850
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$36,500
Poverty Rate:
10.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
34.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
27.2%
Education
How are the schools in Chester Gap, VA?
Chester Gap families benefit from well-rated local schools, including Rappahannock County Elementary and High School, both offering low student-teacher ratios. Nearby private and higher education options, such as Wakefield Country Day School and Laurel Ridge Community College, provide diverse learning opportunities. The area supports lifelong education, from preschool through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Rappahannock County Elementary School
Street:
34 Schoolhouse Rd
Phone:
540-227-0200
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.6
Name:
Rappahannock County High School
Street:
12576 Lee Hwy
Phone:
540-227-0023
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.4
Private Schools
Name:
Wakefield Country Day School
Street:
1059 Zachary Taylor Hwy
Phone:
540-635-8555
Students:
240
Colleges
Name:
Lord Fairfax Community College (Now Laurel Ridge CC)
City:
Middletown
State:
VA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
7,400
Name:
Shenandoah University
City:
Winchester
State:
VA
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
4,100
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Warren Memorial and Fauquier Hospital nearby, both offering emergency services. The area boasts a high health insurance coverage rate at 91.6% and a good supply of physicians. Healthcare services are reliable, ensuring peace of mind for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Warren Memorial Hospital
Address:
351 Valley Health Way, Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone:
(540) 636-0300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Fauquier Hospital
Address:
500 Hospital Dr, Warrenton, VA 20186
Phone:
(540) 316-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
72.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chester Gap, VA?
Chester Gap's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $265,000 and owner occupancy at 76.2%. Average rents for a two-bedroom are $1,100, and the area has seen modest home appreciation at 3.5% over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates suggest a healthy real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Richmond and online services available. The DMV provides comprehensive support for all state driving and vehicle needs. Access to DMV resources is straightforward for Chester Gap residents.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2300 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone:
1-804-497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.