Hampton: The Data Profile (2026)

Hampton, Virginia, presents a statistical profile of a stabilizing coastal city adapting to post-remote work realities. With a population of 137,098, it operates as a smaller metropolitan hub within the broader Hampton Roads region. The economic baseline reveals a distinct gap: the median income sits at $70,238, which is 5.8% below the national median of $74,580. This income deficit is partially offset by a lower cost of living index, particularly in essential services.

Educational attainment is a critical variable for workforce scalability. Currently, 29.0% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, trailing the US average of 33.1%. The statistical target demographic for 2026 is the "Hybrid Coastal Professional"—individuals earning between $65,000 and $90,000 who prioritize housing square footage and proximity to water over maximum salary potential, leveraging the -2.0% housing index advantage.

Cost of Living Analysis

The aggregate Cost of Living (COL) index in Hampton is estimated at 96.8, sitting 3.2% below the national average. While income is lower, the deflationary pressure on daily expenses creates a specific disposable income profile. The most significant savings are realized in utilities, with electricity rates at 14.41 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
Based on the median income of $70,238 (approx. $4,389 monthly post-tax), a single earner retains approximately $1,207 monthly after covering a one-bedroom budget. A dual-income household (2x median income) would retain approximately $5,438 monthly, indicating strong purchasing power for families.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Hampton is defined by a rental bias. The median home price is estimated at $285,000, which is roughly 6.5% below the national median. However, the price-to-income ratio favors buying less aggressively than in high-cost metros. The critical data point is the Rent-to-Price ratio; renting a 1-bedroom unit costs $1,287, while buying at median price with 20% down and a 6.8% mortgage rate (2026 projection) results in a monthly payment near $1,650. Currently, renting is financially superior for short-term residents.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buying vs. Renting Verdict:
If your time horizon is 3+ years, buying is viable due to the -17.4% discount on median home prices. If your employment situation is fluid (remote or contract-based), renting preserves capital and offers flexibility, saving approximately $363 monthly in fixed housing costs compared to a standard mortgage.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Hampton's economy is anchored by aerospace, military, and maritime logistics. The Return-to-Office (RTO) mandate impact has stabilized at 42% of the workforce returning to physical offices, slightly above the national average due to the high volume of defense and manufacturing roles that cannot be performed remotely.

Commute Analysis:
The average one-way commute time is 24.5 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 28.1 minutes. Traffic congestion is rated Low during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM), with an average speed reduction of only 12% on major arteries like I-64.

Unemployment Analysis:
The unemployment rate stands at 3.5%, beating the national average of 4.0%. This indicates a tight labor market where skilled workers have leverage. However, the lower median income suggests that while jobs are available, wage growth has lagged behind inflation in the 2.0% range.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is solid, the Quality of Life metrics reveal specific health risks. The overall Health Score is 77.8/100, which is considered "Good," but underlying chronic disease rates are a statistical outlier. The obesity rate is 40.1% (vs. 31.9% US avg) and diabetes is 15.0% (vs. 10.9% US avg). These figures suggest a lifestyle demographic heavily weighted toward sedentary activity or dietary factors common in the region.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 345 per 100k residents (Slightly better than US avg of 380).
• Property Crime: 2,234 per 100k residents (Slightly higher than US avg of 2,000).
• Air Quality: The AQI of 42 and PM2.5 level of 6.1 µg/m³ are major selling points, offering clean air comparable to rural regions.
• Schools: The local school district graduation rate is 89%, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 15:1.
• Weather: Today's conditions are 62.0°F with light rain. The region experiences 115 sunny days/year, significantly lower than the US average of 205.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: You get 17.4% more home for your money compared to the national median.
• Clean Air: PM2.5 levels of 6.1 µg/m³ are in the top 10% of US cities.
• Job Stability: Unemployment at 3.5% ensures a robust local service economy.
• Commute: Average commute is 4.1 minutes shorter than the national average.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is 5.8% lower than the US average.
• Health Risks: Obesity (40.1%) and Diabetes (15.0%) rates are statistically concerning for long-term wellness.
• Weather: High humidity and significantly fewer sunny days (115 vs 205) than the national average.

Recommendation:
Hampton is a Buy for families prioritizing housing space and air quality over maximum salary potential. It is a Rent for single professionals or those sensitive to high humidity and chronic health risk factors. The data suggests it is a "Value Play" market best suited for stable, remote-capable workers.

FAQs (2026)

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Hampton?
For a single person to rent a 1-bedroom and save 15% of income, a salary of $55,000 is required. For a family of four to own a home and maintain a standard lifestyle, a combined income of $95,000 is recommended.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Norfolk?
Hampton offers a -2.0% housing index advantage over Norfolk, but Norfolk has a higher concentration of service/remote jobs. If you work in defense or maritime, Hampton offers better value; if you work in tech or creative industries, Norfolk offers better connectivity.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. Violent crime is 8.7% lower than the national average. However, property crime is 11.7% higher. This indicates a need for standard urban security measures (locking cars, securing packages) rather than a fear of violent encounters.

4. When is the best time to move?
The best time to move is January/February. The rental market sees a 5-8% price dip in Q1, and the housing inventory turns over faster in spring, but buying in winter allows negotiation below the $285,000 median.