Updated September 10, 2026
How much housing does Richmond have?
The Census counts 112,848 housing units in Richmond for a population of about 227,595 — roughly 2.0 people for every housing unit.
That makes Richmond the second largest of the four Virginia cities with a page here; Virginia Beach counts 190,734.
Who arranges chimney work on a Richmond home?
About 43.5% of occupied Richmond homes are owner-occupied, which leaves about 56.5% rented.
With 56.5% of occupied Richmond homes rented, the person who notices the smell, the stain or the smoke is more often than not a tenant, and the person who authorizes a repair is someone else. Say which you are when you send a request, so the findings reach whoever has to act on them.
Tenure also decides who keeps the paperwork. A Richmond chimney's earlier reports follow the property, not the occupant, so ask for them whichever side of that 43.5% you are on.
Which cities near Richmond have their own page here?
Alexandria, about 91 miles away, Virginia Beach, about 95 miles away, and Roanoke, about 137 miles away — measured from Richmond.
Those are great-circle distances between the Census 2023 Gazetteer interior points of each place, so the drive is longer than the figure.
Alexandria's median build year is 1974 against Richmond's 1959, a 15-year difference in the housing the two chimneys belong to.
What you can observe safely
- Photograph visible cracks safely from ground level.
- Keep any earlier photos for comparison.
What to avoid
- Do not climb onto the roof or enter the chimney.
- Do not alter gas components, venting, or safety controls.
- Do not use a test fire to diagnose the problem.
Possible causes to assess
- Masonry or mortar deterioration
- Movement requiring assessment
- Water-related damage
A symptom cannot establish the cause remotely. An assessment of the complete system helps determine the appropriate repair.
Chimney repair in RichmondA few common questions
Can this be diagnosed from a photo?
A photo can document a symptom and help prepare a visit. It cannot confirm concealed conditions or establish that a chimney or fuel-burning appliance is safe.