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Chester, NS

Nova Scotia

Chester is a small city in Nova Scotia with a population of 10,693. Residents earn $64,500 per year, which is 14% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
10,693 Population 25/sq mi density
$64,500 Median Income $47,000 per capita
$250,000 Home Value
$850 Median Rent 15.1% income on rent
48°F Avg Temperature 218 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$64,500 median income, 12.9% unemployment
A
Affordability
4.5 / 5.0
$250,000 home value, $850/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
C
Education
2.1 / 5.0
13.3% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Chester, NS

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $64,500
14% lower than US avg
Home Value $250,000
11% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent $850
27% lower than US avg
Unemployment 12.9%
258% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 16.8%
35% higher than US avg

How Chester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population10,693
Median Age55.6 yrs
Density25/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%

Economy

C+
Median Income$64,500
Per Capita$47,000
Unemployment12.9%
Poverty16.8%
Commute30 min

Housing

A
Home Value$250,000
Rent$850
Ownership83.6%
Housing Units5,025
Rent Burden15.1%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain75.6 in/yr
Sunny Days218/yr
Elevation23 ft (7 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+25.0%
Graduate+5.2%

Community

Commute30 min

Is Chester a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Chester receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Chester has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Chester is $64,500, 14% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 16.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Chester is $250,000, 11% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 25.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Chester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 218 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 75.6 inches, including 55.9 inches of snow.

Chester has a population of 10,693 with a density of 25 people per square mile, spread across 432.7 square miles. The median age is 55.6 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents.

Population

10,693
Total Population
2021 Census
25
People / sq mi
55.6yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
432.7mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.2%
Female 50.8%

Race & Ethnicity

Chester vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish 1.1%
92% below US avg
Other Languages 2.4%

Social Characteristics

Chester vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Chester is $64,500, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,000 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 331 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 22.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Chester vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$64,500
14% below US avg
Per Capita Income$47,000
Avg Weekly Wage$904

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment12.9%
258% above US avg
Poverty Rate16.8%
35% above US avg
Establishments (County)331

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time29.6 min
Drive Alone84.1%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home22.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Chester is $250,000, 11% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). 83.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 5,025 total housing units in the city. 15.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$250,000
11% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$850
27% below US avg
Rent Burden15.1%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership83.6%
Owner-Occupied83.6%
Renter-Occupied16.4%
Housing Units5,025

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Chester receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Chester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Chester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 218 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 75.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 55.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 23 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

34°F Jan (1°C) 70°F Jul (21°C)
Annual Average47.7°F
12% below US avg
January Average34°F (1°C)
July Average70°F (21°C)
Sunny Days218 days/yr

Geography

Elevation23 ft (7 m)
Area432.7 sq mi (1,120.6 km²)
Population Density25/sq mi
Coordinates44.5423°N, 64.2389°W
TimezoneAmerica/Halifax

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 75.6"
99% above US avg
Snowfall 55.9"
Wettest Month (Nov) 5.91"
Driest Month (Aug) 3.54"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Jan 12, 2017.

Jul 16, 2007 18 km WSW of Bridgewater, Canada M3.2 47 km
Jun 20, 2015 37 km SE of Digby, Canada M2.9 95 km
Jan 12, 2017 9 km E of Cow Bay, Canada M2.7 74 km
Jun 27, 2015 38 km SE of Digby, Canada M2.5 94 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Hurricane History

7 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980. Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Earl (2010).

Year Name Category Closest
2010 Earl Category 1 34 km
2009 Bill Category 1 128 km
2008 Kyle Category 1 177 km
2003 Juan Category 2 38 km
2002 Gustav Category 1 198 km
1996 Hortense Category 1 79 km
1990 Bertha Category 1 300 km
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 7.0 m (23 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1917 HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA Earthquake + Landslide 7.0 m 2,000 53 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 34°F (1°C) 5.4 in
February 23°F (-5°C) 4.5 in Coldest
March 30°F (-1°C) 5.2 in
April 40°F (4°C) 4.4 in
May 50°F (10°C) 4.5 in
June 58°F (15°C) 3.7 in
July 70°F (21°C) 3.6 in Warmest
August 65°F (18°C) 3.5 in Driest
September 58°F (14°C) 4.2 in
October 48°F (9°C) 4.8 in
November 39°F (4°C) 5.9 in Wettest
December 28°F (-2°C) 5.6 in

Chester has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 23°F in February to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 55.3 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.9") and August the driest (3.5").

View full weather details →
13.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 61% below the national average of 33.7%. 25.0% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 84.1% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+13.3%
61% below US avg
High School+25.0%
Graduate Degree+5.2%
C Education Grade (2.1/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density25/sq mi
Total Area432.7 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute29.6 min
Drive Alone84.1%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home22.0%

Colleges & Universities in Chester

Institution Type Enrollment Acceptance In-State Tuition Out-of-State
NSCC - Lunenburg Campus - - - - -
NSCC Lunenburg Campus - - - - -

Schools in Chester

2 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Chester Middle School - - - -
Chester District School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Chester

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Museums in Chester

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
Heritage Interpretive Classroom
Hooked Rug Museum of North America
Lordly House Museum
Lorne Street Fire Company
Museum Boat Shop & Exhibit
Oak Island Interpretive Center
Settlers Museum
southwestern railway museum

Libraries in Chester

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
J. D. Shatford Memorial Library0.0
J.D. Shatford Memorial Library0.0
Lunenburg Library0.0
Oak Island Research Center0.0
Zoe Valle Library0.0

Farmers Markets in Chester

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Hubbards Farmer's Market
Rosa Rugosa
Rosa Rugosa

Hotels in Chester

1 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Mecklenburgh Inn

Cafes in Chester

4 cafes within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Imperfections
Jamai's Pizza
The Kiwi Café
Tim Hortons

Theatres in Chester

1 theatres within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Chester Playhouse

Castles in Chester

1 castles within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

52 Central Street

Gas Stations in Chester

1 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Chester Irving Gas Station

Banks in Chester

1 banks within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Bank of Nova Scotia

Shopping Malls in Chester

1 shopping malls within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Chester Shore Mall

Golf Courses in Chester

2 golf courses within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Chester Golf Course
Mill Ridge Golf Course

Breweries in Chester

NameTypeAddressPhoneWebsite
Lightship Brewery
Saltbox Brewing Company
Shipwright Brewing Company
Tanner & Co. Brewing

Ski Resorts Near Chester

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Ski Martock 0.0 - - $0 - - -

Airports Near Chester

8 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Halifax / Stanfield International AirportYHZLarge Airport
CFB GreenwoodYZXMedium Airport
Dayspring Airpark-Small Airport
East Gore Eco Airpark-Small Airport
Hillaton/Kings Aerodrome-Small Airport
Liverpool South Shore Regional Airport-Small Airport
Stanley Airport-Small Airport
Waterville / Kings County Municipal Airport-Small Airport

Post Offices in Chester

2 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Canada Post
Tancook Island Post Office

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Near Chester

1 UNESCO sites.

SiteCategoryYear
Old Town Lunenburg

Churches & Religious Organizations in Chester

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Saint Stephen's Church

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Chester.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chester

What is the population of Chester?

Chester has a population of 10,693 residents and is located in Nova Scotia. The population density is 25 people per square mile, spread across 432.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.

Is Chester expensive to live in?

The median household income is $64,500, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $250,000 (11% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Chester safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chester receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Chester?

Chester has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 218 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 75.6 inches, with 55.9 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Chester?

The job market in Chester faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 331 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 22.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Chester?

The median home value in Chester is $250,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. The homeownership rate is 83.6%.

How are the schools in Chester?

13.3% of adults in Chester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 25.0% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Chester?

The average commute in Chester is 30 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Chester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chester is 98.5% White, 0.5% Asian. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Mahone Bay, NS 1,064 pop · 9.5 mi Lunenburg, NS 2,396 pop · 11.9 mi Bridgewater, NS 8,790 pop · 17.8 mi Shad Bay, NS 2,053 pop · 22.3 mi Hubley, NS 1,029 pop · 22.4 mi Stillwater Lake, NS 3,379 pop · 22.6 mi Upper Hammonds Plains, NS 1,840 pop · 24.4 mi Brookside, NS 1,439 pop · 25.4 mi Timberlea, NS 5,627 pop · 25.6 mi English Corner, NS 1,058 pop · 26.1 mi Hammonds Plains, NS 6,242 pop · 26.4 mi Beechville, NS 2,100 pop · 28.2 mi Glen Moir, NS 2,294 pop · 30.0 mi Bridgeview, NS 2,206 pop · 30.0 mi
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