Is Hampton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hampton

Hampton, Virginia, offers a unique blend of historical significance and coastal charm, making it a compelling place to consider for relocation. Nestled on the southeastern side of the Virginia Peninsula, this city is part of the larger Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Its rich history is deeply intertwined with early American settlements, most notably Fort Monroe, which has stood for nearly 400 years.

The city’s appeal extends beyond its historical roots, encompassing a coastal lifestyle with proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and James River. Residents can enjoy various beaches and waterfront activities, contributing to a desirable quality of life. Furthermore, Hampton is recognized as a military-friendly community, hosting a significant presence of service members, particularly from the Air Force and Navy, due to its proximity to nearby bases.

Is it Safe to Live in Hampton?

Hampton’s overall crime rate presents a complex picture, with some statistics indicating it is higher than the national average, while others suggest it is below. The city’s crime rate is reported as 47.7% higher than the national average overall (as reported by AreaVibes). However, violent crime rates are 31% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes), with 342 reported violent crimes per 100,000 individuals (as reported by AreaVibes).

Conversely, property crime rates are significantly higher than the U.S. average, standing at 63.7% higher per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This means that while violent offenses are less common than the national average, property-related crimes are more prevalent. Some analyses indicate that Hampton has one of the highest crime rates in America when compared to communities of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

When assessing safety, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. Some areas within Hampton are considered safer than others, with residents generally viewing the northeast part of the city as the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). A survey indicated that while 32% of residents feel a strong sense of security, 68% perceive a higher incidence of crime and feel apprehensive walking alone at night (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs in Hampton

Hampton’s housing market offers a degree of affordability compared to many other areas, particularly within the broader Hampton Roads region. The median home listing price in Hampton is approximately $304,500 (as reported by realtor.com®). This median price point suggests a market that provides solid value for potential buyers.

The rental market in Hampton is also relatively balanced, with a median rental price around $1,700 per month (as reported by realtor.com®). For those looking to rent, a two-bedroom unit in Hampton typically costs about $1,300 a month, which is 8.4% cheaper than the national average and 6.9% cheaper than the state’s average (as reported by Jeremy). This cost of living is considered less than anywhere else in the Hampton Roads area and 15.6% lower than the rest of Virginia (as reported by Jeremy).

The average home value in Hampton is approximately $275,341, showing a slight decrease of 0.3% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This stability in home values, coupled with relatively lower rental costs, contributes to Hampton’s appeal as an affordable place to live within the region.

Job Market and Economy

Hampton’s job market is influenced by a mix of public sector and private industry employment. The average annual salary in Hampton is approximately $55,257, which equates to about $26.57 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Hampton was reported as $69,621 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). There is a notable poverty rate of 9.3% among Hampton families (as reported by CUBIT).

Major employers in the Hampton Roads area, which significantly impact Hampton’s job landscape, include the U.S. Department of Defense, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Sentara Healthcare (as reported by Isle of Wight Department of Economic Development). Other significant employers include Walmart, McDonald’s, and FedEx (as reported by Indeed.com). The presence of military installations and related industries provides a consistent source of employment opportunities.

The unemployment rate in Hampton Independent City was 4.9% in January 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). This represents a 0.8 percentage point increase from the previous year. While this indicates a slight tightening of the job market, it is important to view this data within the broader context of regional and national employment trends.

Climate and Weather in Hampton

Hampton, Virginia, experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and warm, humid summers. The average temperature typically ranges from a low of 32°F in January to a high of 88°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city enjoys approximately 2,851 hours of sunshine annually, with the sunniest months generally occurring from May through October (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Precipitation is a notable feature of Hampton’s climate, with an annual average of about 49 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). August typically sees the highest monthly precipitation, averaging around 5 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of just 3 inches per year, primarily occurring in January and February (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers can be quite muggy due to humidity levels, especially in June and August. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions, with moderate humidity and comfortable temperatures, making these seasons ideal for outdoor activities. The average wind speed is generally between 8 to 10 mph year-round (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education in Hampton

Hampton City Schools serves the city’s student population, comprising elementary, middle, and high schools. A significant achievement for the district is that 100% of Hampton City schools are accredited without conditions, the highest possible rating (as reported by Virginia Department of Education). This accreditation reflects the overall quality and adherence to standards across all 18 elementary, five middle, and four high schools within the district.

Hampton City Schools has demonstrated strong performance, outperforming neighboring school divisions in the region for those serving similar demographics (as reported by Virginia Department of Education). Several schools within the district have received high ratings and recognition. For instance, Mary W. Jackson Elementary School is ranked among the top elementary schools in Virginia, boasting exceptional test scores (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Similarly, Francis W. Jones Magnet Middle School is recognized as a top performer with strong test results (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

At the high school level, Bethel High and Kecoughtan High are noted as top-performing institutions (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). While the district has high graduation rates, around 93%, there are also challenges such as chronic absenteeism, with all schools reporting a rate of 15.7% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). This indicates a mixed picture of academic achievement and student engagement within the district.

Demographics of Hampton

Hampton’s population is diverse, with approximately 137,746 residents (as reported by the City of Hampton Official Website). The city’s demographic makeup includes a significant African American population, constituting about 51.7% of residents, followed by White residents at 40.1% (as reported by the City of Hampton Official Website). Other ethnic groups include Hispanic or Latino at 6.3%, Asian at 2.2%, and those identifying with two or more races at 6.6% (as reported by the City of Hampton Official Website).

Gender distribution shows a slight majority of females, with 51.7% of the population being female and 48.3% being male (as reported by the City of Hampton Official Website). The median age in Hampton is 36.8 years (as reported by CUBIT). This age distribution includes about 18% of the population under 15, with a substantial portion in the adult working and established age brackets (as reported by Point2Homes).

In terms of education, 92.6% of Hampton residents are high school graduates, and 27.3% hold a Bachelor’s Degree or higher (as reported by the City of Hampton Official Website). The median household income is approximately $59,380 (as reported by the City of Hampton Official Website), though other sources indicate a median household income of $69,621 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT).