Median Income
$47,500
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,300
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.0%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$392
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.5%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
35.5%
186% higher than US avg
How Chester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,708
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density1,941/mi²
Male / Female85% / 15%
Largest GroupWhite 38%
Economy
C+
Median Income$47,500
Per Capita$7,684
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty35.5%
County GDP$367M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,300
Rent$392
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$167,699
Health
Obesity42.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression16.3%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F
AQI44 (Good)
Rain47.0 in/yr
Elevation356 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.0%
High School+77.3%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 22%
Commute33 min
Libraries1
Is Chester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chester receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Chester offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chester is $47,500, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. The poverty rate of 35.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chester is $78,300, 72% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $392 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
6.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.3% 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 66°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Chester has a population of 1,708 with a density of 1,941 people per square mile. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (52%), with 38.1% White, 2.2% Hispanic.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 94.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Spanish | 5.3% |
| 60% below US avg |
The median household income in Chester is $47,500, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 35.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,500 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $7,684 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $875 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,334 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 35.5% |
| 186% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 220 |
| County GDP | $367M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 22 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,861 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.6 min |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Chester is $78,300, 72% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $392 (66% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,699.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,300 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,699 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $392 |
| 66% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,861 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.65% |
In Chester, 42.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 16.3% report depression. 33.0% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Chester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.4% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.0% |
| Depression | 16.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Premature Death | 12,846/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Crime Rates: Chester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
Safety Score
Chester has an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation is 47.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Temperature
49°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.8°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 47.0 inches |
| 24% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 356 ft (109 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,941/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.3944°N, 83.1557°W |
| County FIPS | 13023 |