Maryland · Metropolitan Area
Chester is a small town in Maryland with a population of 4,539. Residents earn $90,938 per year, which is 21% above the national average.
Based on current data, Chester receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, long commute times. Chester stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
The median household income in Chester is $90,938, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Chester is $441,200, making it a premium housing market at 57% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,849 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 4.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Chester enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 91.4% |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 8.6% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $90,938 |
| 21% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $59,887 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,530 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $108,818 |
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 15,974 |
| County GDP | $69,946M |
| Restaurants | 1,302 |
| Healthcare | 1,531 |
| Retail | 1,788 |
| Manufacturing | 227 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,568 |
| 59% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.26% |
| Commute Time | 35.2 min |
| Work from Home | 10.6% |
| Census Median | $441,200 |
| 57% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $522,944 |
| Median List Price | $397,000 |
| Median List Price | $397,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $236 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.3% |
| Price Drops | 21.6% |
| Inventory | 37 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,849 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,568 |
| 59% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.26% |
| Obesity | 29.5% |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.2% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 90.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,001/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,531 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 46 |
| Annual Average | 57.1°F |
| 6% above US avg | |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 46.9 inches |
| 23% above US avg |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 12 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 5.2 sq mi (13.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 866/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9601°N, 76.2876°W |
| County FIPS | 24003 |
Winner: Democrat by 13.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 37.6% |
| 12% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.1% |
| School Test Score | 5.85 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 866/sq mi |
| Total Area | 5.2 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 1 |
| Public Libraries | 16 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,531 |
| Restaurants | 1,302 |
| Retail Stores | 1,788 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 46 |
| Avg Commute | 35.2 min |
| Work from Home | 10.6% |