Median Income
$57,500
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,800
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
77/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.2%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$513
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Chester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population141
Median Age39.5 yrs
Density102/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,500
Per Capita$30,698
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$727M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,800
Rent$513
Ownership84.5%
Zillow$190,861
Housing Units73
Rent Burden16.8%
Crime
F
Violent77/100K
Property1,468/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking19.6%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,213 ft (370 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.2%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.47
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%
Commute34 min
Broadband58.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Chester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chester receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include 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 $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chester is $101,800, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $513 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Chester is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,468 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
Education
12.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Chester has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches, including 40.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Chester has a population of 141 with a density of 102 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (99.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.8% of residents, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.5yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.8%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.3%
53% below US avg
The median household income in Chester is $57,500, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,698 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $927, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (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 341 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,500 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,698 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $927 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,702 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 341 |
| County GDP | $727M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,607 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Chester is $101,800, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,861, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $513 (56% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 73 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,607 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 16.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,800 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $190,861 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $513 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.5% |
| Housing Units | 73 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,607 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.56% |
In Chester, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 19.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.4% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,896. The dentist ratio is 1:4,767. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.6% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,896 |
| Dentists | 1:4,767 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,339 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,255/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Chester has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,468 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 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 | 77.3/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,467.9/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chester has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. The area receives 40.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,213 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,213 ft (370 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 102/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4916°N, 92.3640°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Howard County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rochester International (RST)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
490 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 29 fatalities, 430 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
98 km |
5 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
6 km |
2 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1982 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Chester has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.8").
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) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $663 |
| Toddler | $571 |
| Preschool | $571 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $440 |
| Preschool | $440 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chester
What is the population of Chester?
Chester has a population of 141 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 102 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.5 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Chester expensive to live in?
Chester is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,800 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $513 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chester safe?
Chester is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,468 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 has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 40.3 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 job market in Chester is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $927. There are 341 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chester?
The median home value in Chester is $101,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $190,861. For renters, the median monthly rent is $513. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,607.
How are the schools in Chester?
Schools in Chester score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.2% of adults in Chester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chester?
The obesity rate in Chester is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.6% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,896.
What is transportation like in Chester?
The average commute in Chester is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 64.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chester is 99.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 93.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
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