Home Value
$211,500
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
585/100K
54% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.2%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$633
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.6%
83% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.0%
142% higher than US avg
How Chester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population105
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density206/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans76.0%
Economy
Per Capita$17,701
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty30.0%
County GDP$2,328M
Commute36 min
Housing
Home Value$211,500
Rent$633
Ownership58.5%
Zillow$208,542
Housing Units52
Rent Burden42.5%
Crime
F
Violent585/100K
Property1,171/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking16.5%
Depression28.9%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain53.4 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation886 ft (270 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.2%
High School+83.8%
Graduate+9.3%
School Score4.93
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute36 min
Broadband41.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Chester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chester receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Chester faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 30.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chester is $211,500, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $633 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 585 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,171 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
16.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Chester enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Chester has a population of 105 with a density of 206 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41% female and 59% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 76.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $17,701 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $938, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 30.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,281 business establishments, including 101 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 17.6% of workers work from home.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $17,701 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $938 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,294 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.0% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,281 |
| County GDP | $2,328M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 101 |
| Healthcare | 121 |
| Retail | 165 |
| Manufacturing | 50 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,191 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.6% |
The median home value in Chester is $211,500, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,542. Monthly rent averages $633 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 52 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $2,191 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 42.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Home Values
| Census Median | $211,500 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $208,542 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $633 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 42.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.5% |
| Housing Units | 52 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,191 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.04% |
In Chester, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 36.1% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 16.5% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 28.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,875. The dentist ratio is 1:4,362. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.1% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 28.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,875 |
| Dentists | 1:4,362 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,474 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 49.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,457/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 121 |
Chester has a violent crime rate of 585 per 100,000 residents, 54% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,171 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chester receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 585.5/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,171.0/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 73 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 53.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 886 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 59.0°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 886 ft (270 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 206/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.6778°N, 94.1778°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Smith Regional (FSM)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.4"
41% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
82 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 14, 2024.
| Aug 24, 2021 |
1 km S of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
1 km ENE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| May 24, 2013 |
16 km WSW of Center Ridge, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| May 22, 2013 |
16 km WSW of Center Ridge, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
139 km |
| Aug 22, 2021 |
3 km ESE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.4 |
122 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
127 km |
| Jul 22, 2021 |
2 km E of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.3 |
122 km |
| Feb 7, 2020 |
2 km SSW of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Feb 7, 2020 |
3 km SSW of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Aug 12, 2019 |
1 km NE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| Jun 3, 2022 |
10 km W of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.2 |
134 km |
| Mar 14, 2022 |
12 km E of Crowder, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Apr 1, 2020 |
2 km NE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Apr 16, 2011 |
9 km WSW of Center Ridge, Arkansas |
M3.0 |
142 km |
| Jul 28, 1990 |
18 km W of Mountain Pine, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
132 km |
| Sep 21, 2019 |
2 km NNE of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
123 km |
| Feb 3, 2021 |
1 km SW of Quinton, Oklahoma |
M2.9 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
525 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 53 fatalities, 941 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF5 |
71 km |
2 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF4 |
49 km |
4 |
| Apr 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
54 km |
14 |
| May 5, 1960 |
EF4 |
47 km |
5 |
| Jan 22, 1957 |
EF4 |
55 km |
10 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
50 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
38 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
| Nov 22, 1983 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (18,089 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
18,089 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
15,318 |
50 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,993 |
76 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,774 |
28 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,929 |
50 km |
| 2016 |
WEST CAVANAL FIRE |
13,100 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
12,086 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
11,929 |
50 km |
| 2024 |
RX FOUCHE VALLEY |
10,912 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
10,593 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
9,483 |
95 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
9,385 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,368 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
MIDDLE RIDGE |
8,501 |
42 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
7,945 |
80 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
7,919 |
41 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,804 |
41 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
7,415 |
17 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
7,344 |
41 km |
| 2022 |
RIVER ROAD |
6,722 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Chester has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 38°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.9") and January the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Chester. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$217 ($130-$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$304 ($174-$478) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87-$304) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,912 ($695-$4,345) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65-$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$217 ($130-$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22-$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($43-$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($130-$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$521 ($348-$869) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87-$304) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52-$130) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($43-$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($130-$695) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,083 ($3,476-$10,428) |
| Roof Repair |
$869 ($348-$1,738) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,821 ($4,780-$13,035) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,304 ($435-$3,042) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,035 ($4,345-$26,070) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,345 ($1,738-$8,690) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,304 ($695-$2,607) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174-$869) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,173 ($869-$4,345) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$130 ($65-$217) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$56) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($43-$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.56 ($2.61-$4.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.04 ($2.17-$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.30 ($2.17-$4.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.91 ($2.61-$5.65) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.78 ($3.48-$6.52) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52-$1.56) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70-$217) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$130) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$56 ($26-$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($43-$130) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65-$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,738 ($1,043-$3,042) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.95-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26-$217) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,043 ($521-$2,173) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$869 ($435-$1,738) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174-$608) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$43 ($22-$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$869 ($348-$2,173) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,863 ($4,345-$26,070) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($43-$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($130-$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87-$348) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Chester
What is the population of Chester?
Chester has a population of 105 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 206 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41% female and 59% male.
Is Chester expensive to live in?
Chester is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $211,500 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $633 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Chester safe?
The violent crime rate in Chester is 585 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,171 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chester receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chester?
Chester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.4 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester is 6.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $938. There are 1,281 business establishments in the area, including 101 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 17.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chester?
The median home value in Chester is $211,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,542. For renters, the median monthly rent is $633. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,191.
How are the schools in Chester?
Schools in Chester have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.2% of adults in Chester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.8% have completed high school. 9.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chester?
The obesity rate in Chester is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 28.9% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,875.
What is transportation like in Chester?
The average commute in Chester is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chester is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 76.0% of the population are military veterans. 28.8% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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