Chesterfield County Residents Poll on Growth & Affordability

Chesterfield County Poll Signals Residents Want Comprehensive Plan to Balance Growth and Housing Affordability 

Survey finds broad concern about housing costs and strong support for more options for young adults, working families, essential workers and seniors 

RICHMOND, Va. — July 21, 2026 — A new survey of registered voters in Chesterfield County finds that while residents are protective of the county’s quality of life and concerned about the pace of growth, majorities also recognize the need for more housing that is attainable for people at different stages of life. 

The poll, conducted May 26–28, 2026, found that 62% of Chesterfield County voters agree that more housing that is affordable needs to be built in their community, including 38% who strongly agree. The survey also found that 59% of voters say providing more housing options for first-time buyers, growing families, and older adults and seniors looking to downsize is extremely or very important as local government makes decisions about growth and development. 

“This survey shows that Chesterfield residents are asking for balance,” said Joe Goode, Chief Insights Officer at Statara. “Voters are clear that traffic, schools, and community character matter. At the same time, they also see the consequences of a housing market that is becoming harder for young adults, working families, essential workers and seniors to access. The data point to a path forward: plan carefully, address infrastructure, and make room for the kinds of homes people need.” 

The findings come as Chesterfield voters continue to rate the county positively overall: 80% describe the quality of life in their part of the county as excellent or good. But the survey also shows affordability pressures are widely recognized. A majority, 54%, say the cost of housing in Chesterfield County is a very or fairly big problem, and 72% agree that teachers, first responders and other essential public service employees often cannot afford to live in the community where they work. 

The poll also suggests residents see gaps in the types of housing available. Sixty percent say there is too little housing for younger people and those just getting started in their careers, 51% say there is too little housing for older adults and seniors looking to downsize, and 48% say there is too little housing for people with middle-class incomes. 

Key findings from the survey include: 

• 62% agree Chesterfield County needs more housing that is affordable to be built in their community.
  
  
• 64% say increasing the amount of housing that is affordable for working families is extremely or very important.
  
  
• 59% say providing more housing options for people in different stages of life is extremely or very important.
  
  
• 72% agree teachers, first responders and other essential public service employees often cannot afford to live in the community where they work.
  
  
• 60% say there is too little housing in the county for younger people and those just getting started in their careers. 

At the same time, the survey underscores that support for additional housing exists alongside real concerns about growth. Seventy-one percent of voters say the pace of residential growth and development is happening too fast, while 86% are concerned that more homes could increase traffic and congestion, 81% are concerned about school overcrowding, and 81% are concerned about strain on public services, including emergency response times. 

Those concerns point to the importance of coordinated planning, infrastructure investment and a broader range of housing choices. The survey found that when voters consider the consequences of not building enough new housing, 70% are concerned that fewer young adults and young families will be able to afford to live in Chesterfield County, 70% are concerned property taxes will increase, and 60% are concerned housing costs will rise. 

“The message is not growth at any cost,” Goode said. “It is that Chesterfield can protect what residents value while also expanding attainable housing options through thoughtful, well-planned development. The county’s teachers, public safety workers, young families, first-time buyers and seniors all need realistic housing choices.” 

Statara was hired by the Home Building Association of Richmond (HBAR) to conduct the poll in response to Chesterfield County's draft Comprehensive Plan update, which is expected to significantly reduce future residential development opportunities in portions of the county, with impacts on housing supply, affordability and private property values. 

"The proposed land use changes in the Comprehensive Plan could have significant consequences for housing affordability and the overall cost of living. It's important to carefully consider those impacts before the plan is adopted. That includes thinking about the people who are least likely to participate in the planning process—not because they don't care, but because they're busy working, raising children, caring for aging parents and managing the demands of everyday life. Their need for attainable housing deserves to be part of this conversation." 

About the survey: Statara designed and administered the multi-modal survey of 500 registered voters in Chesterfield County, Virginia, conducted May 26–28, 2026. Respondents were reached by wireless phone, VOIP/landline and online. The data were weighted to reflect the demographic distribution of Chesterfield County. The overall margin of error is ±4.4 percentage points. 

About the Home Building Association of Richmond: The Home Building Association of Richmond's mission is to protect and promote the American Dream of homeownership while expanding access to quality rental housing. Through advocacy, education and industry leadership, HBAR represents builders, developers, remodelers, suppliers and other housing professionals working to increase housing opportunities, improve affordability and support thoughtful, well-planned growth throughout the Richmond region. 

Joe Goode Chief Insights Officer, Statara joe.goode@statara.com 

Danna Markland Chief Executive Officer, Home Building Association of Richmond dmarkland@hbar.org; 804-441-5040