Median Income
$53,583
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$156,900
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.0%
20% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$662
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.7%
2% higher than US avg
How Chester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population704
Median Age53.3 yrs
Density1,437/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,583
Per Capita$36,857
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty12.7%
County GDP$925M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$156,900
Rent$662
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$199,422
Health
Obesity34.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F
AQI26 (Good)
Rain12.3 in/yr
Elevation3,134 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.0%
High School+91.6%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 39%
Commute16 min
Libraries1
Is Chester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chester receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Chester stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chester is $53,583, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. 12.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chester is $156,900, 44% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $662 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
27.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Chester has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.3 inches, including 36.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Chester has a population of 704 with a density of 1,437 people per square mile. The median age is 53.3 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (95.6%), with 3.1% Hispanic.
Population
53.3yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 99.0% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Spanish | 1.0% |
| 93% below US avg |
The median household income in Chester is $53,583, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,583 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,857 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $946 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,947 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 601 |
| County GDP | $925M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 58 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.0 min |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Chester is $156,900, 44% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $662 (43% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,422.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,900 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,422 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $662 |
| 43% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.08% |
In Chester, 34.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 27.9% report depression. 25.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Chester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 12,044/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 58 |
Crime Rates: Chester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
Chester has an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation is 12.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.4°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 12.3 inches |
| 68% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 36.5 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,134 ft (955 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,437/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.5113°N, 110.9661°W |
| County FIPS | 30041 |