Median Income
$63,500
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$229,800
18% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
37/100K
90% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.5%
87% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Chance Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population218
Median Age62.1 yrs
Density131/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,500
Per Capita$43,146
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,231M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$229,800
Ownership97.1%
Zillow$196,588
Housing Units271
Rent Burden36.3%
Crime
F
Violent37/100K
Property521/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking18.3%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days297/yr
Elevation6 ft (2 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.5%
High School+77.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.08
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 40%
Commute32 min
Broadband67.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Chance a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chance receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Chance has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chance is $63,500, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chance is $229,800, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Chance is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 37 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 521 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
4.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Chance enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 297 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Chance has a population of 218 with a density of 131 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 62.1 years, 60% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (72.5%), with 12.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85% of residents, while 15% speak Spanish. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.1yrs
Median Age
60% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.0%
8% above US avg
Spanish
15.0%
12% above US avg
The median household income in Chance is $63,500, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,146. The average weekly wage is $1,119, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 452 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 12.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,500 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,146 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,119 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,924 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 452 |
| County GDP | $1,231M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 47 |
| Retail | 58 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,126 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.9% |
The median home value in Chance is $229,800, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,588, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 271 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $3,126. 36.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $229,800 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $196,588 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.9% |
| Housing Units | 271 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,126 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.36% |
In Chance, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 35.7% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 28.8% are physically inactive. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,732. The dentist ratio is 1:455. 9.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chance vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.8% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,732 |
| Dentists | 1:455 |
| Mental Health | 1:304 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,152/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 9.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 47 |
Chance has a violent crime rate of 37 per 100,000 residents, 90% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 521 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chance receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chance vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 37.2/100K |
| 90% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 520.6/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chance enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 297 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 6 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.3°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 297 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 131/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.1780°N, 75.9388°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Somerset County County |
| Nearest Airport | Cambridge-Dorchester Regional (CGE)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 9, 2023.
| Oct 2, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Ashland, Virginia |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Aug 3, 1995 |
13 km N of Williamsburg, Virginia |
M2.9 |
110 km |
| Mar 15, 1993 |
5 km W of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| Oct 28, 1994 |
1 km E of Mount Vernon, Maryland |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Jun 25, 2021 |
2 km SE of Woodlawn, Maryland |
M2.6 |
142 km |
| Feb 9, 2023 |
29 km E of Greenbackville, Virginia |
M2.6 |
79 km |
| Apr 29, 2000 |
3 km N of Glen Allen, Virginia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Mar 10, 1993 |
3 km WSW of Columbia, Maryland |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
11 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Dorian (2019, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 2 |
291 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 2 |
205 km |
| 2012 |
Sandy |
Category 1 |
240 km |
| 2011 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
Isabel |
Category 1 |
226 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
154 km |
| 1998 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
219 km |
| 1993 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
222 km |
| 1991 |
Bob |
Category 3 |
198 km |
| 1986 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
108 km |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 2 |
128 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
244 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 fatalities, 75 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1966 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2021 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2021 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2019 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1994 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1989 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1984 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1983 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1983 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BESTPITCH (7,743 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
BESTPITCH |
7,743 |
24 km |
| 2004 |
RETAINING ECOLOGICAL HEALTH |
5,678 |
26 km |
| 2014 |
BLACKWATER MARSH WUI BURNS FY14 |
5,433 |
26 km |
| 2005 |
MARSH RX-FWS |
4,380 |
27 km |
| 2007 |
GUINEA MARSH |
4,173 |
22 km |
| 2009 |
DOCTORS CREEK |
3,686 |
22 km |
| 1999 |
FB R O C I |
3,525 |
23 km |
| 2019 |
MDBWR-FY19-RX-MDWHS SUPPORT |
3,197 |
25 km |
| 2011 |
COMPARTMENT J |
2,775 |
25 km |
| 2005 |
ISLAND CREEK |
2,729 |
21 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,156 |
21 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
2,038 |
25 km |
| 2005 |
VEGETATION RESEARCH |
1,926 |
26 km |
| 2011 |
THOROFARE |
1,850 |
26 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,692 |
28 km |
| 2004 |
ROBBINS FIRE |
1,612 |
23 km |
| 1988 |
SLAU BCH 2 |
1,578 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKWATER HAZARD FUEL REDUCTION |
1,518 |
33 km |
| 2009 |
BECKERS ISLAND |
1,398 |
23 km |
| 2022 |
ELLIOTTS ISLAND |
1,324 |
22 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
3.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Chance has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 38°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.0 inches, with March being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (3.1").
Average costs for common services in Chance. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$263 ($158–$420) |
| Specialist Visit |
$368 ($210–$578) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$210 ($105–$368) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,310 ($840–$5,250) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$137 ($79–$210) |
| Dental Filling |
$263 ($158–$420) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53–$126) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$630 ($420–$1,050) |
| Battery Replacement |
$210 ($105–$368) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$105 ($63–$158) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53–$147) |
| HVAC Repair |
$420 ($158–$840) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,350 ($4,200–$12,600) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,050 ($420–$2,100) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,450 ($5,775–$15,750) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,575 ($525–$3,675) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,750 ($5,250–$31,500) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,250 ($2,100–$10,500) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,575 ($840–$3,150) |
| Will Preparation |
$525 ($210–$1,050) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,625 ($1,050–$5,250) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32–$105) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$158 ($79–$263) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$84 ($53–$137) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.31 ($3.15–$5.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.68 ($2.63–$5.25) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.99 ($2.63–$5.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.73 ($3.15–$6.83) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.78 ($4.20–$7.88) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.05 ($0.63–$1.89) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$147 ($84–$263) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$158) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$126) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$105) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($32–$105) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($53–$158) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$210 ($79–$525) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,100 ($1,260–$3,675) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$137) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.40–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$105 ($32–$263) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,260 ($630–$2,625) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,050 ($525–$2,100) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$420 ($210–$735) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26–$105) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,050 ($420–$2,625) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,125 ($5,250–$31,500) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$105 ($53–$210) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$210 ($105–$420) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $903 |
| Toddler | $654 |
| Preschool | $654 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $676 |
| Toddler | $549 |
| Preschool | $549 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chance
What is the population of Chance?
Chance has a population of 218 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 131 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is Chance expensive to live in?
Chance has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $63,500, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $229,800 (18% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chance safe?
Chance is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 37 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 521 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chance receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chance?
Chance enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 297 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Chance?
The job market in Chance is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,119. There are 452 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 12.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chance?
The median home value in Chance is $229,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,588. The homeownership rate is 97.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,126.
How are the schools in Chance?
Schools in Chance score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.5% of adults in Chance hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chance?
The obesity rate in Chance is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 28.8% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 9.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,732.
What is transportation like in Chance?
The average commute in Chance is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chance?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chance is 72.5% White, 12.4% Black or African American. 85% of residents speak only English at home, while 15% speak Spanish. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 29.2% of residents have a disability. 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
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