Pennsylvania · Metropolitan Area
Chester is a mid-size city in Pennsylvania with a population of 33,209. Residents earn $39,809 per year, which is 47% below the national average.
Based on current data, Chester receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Chester has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Chester is $39,809, 47% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 25.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
The median home value in Chester is $85,400, 70% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,080 per month. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
With 1,536 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,453 per 100,000, 76% above the national average.
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 7.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
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 41.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 92.6% |
| 18% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 7.4% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $39,809 |
| 47% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $23,451 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,407 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $113,369 |
| Unemployment | 10.4% |
| 189% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 25.2% |
| 103% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 14,424 |
| County GDP | $42,608M |
| Restaurants | 1,170 |
| Healthcare | 1,893 |
| Retail | 1,549 |
| Manufacturing | 312 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,088 |
| 188% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 11.81% |
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |
| Census Median | $85,400 |
| 70% below US avg | |
| Median List Price | $145,000 |
| Median List Price | $145,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $102 |
| Homes Sold | 18 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.7% |
| Price Drops | 16.5% |
| Inventory | 85 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,080 |
| 7% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,411 |
| Studio | $1,397 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,520 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,423 |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.9% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,088 |
| 188% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 11.81% |
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,708/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 97.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,893 |
| Total Violent | 1,535.7/100K |
| 304% above US avg | |
| Murder | 88.1/100K |
| 1298% above US avg | |
| Rape | 82.2/100K |
| Robbery | 496.2/100K |
| Assault | 869.2/100K |
| Total Property | 3,453.1/100K |
| 76% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 1,001.3/100K |
| Theft | 2,102.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 349.4/100K |
| Arson | 79.3/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 57.1°F |
| 6% above US avg | |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 41.7 inches |
| 10% above US avg |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 72.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 3 |
| Elevation | 56 ft (17 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 6,876/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8456°N, 75.3719°W |
| County FIPS | 42045 |
Winner: Democrat by 23.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 13.3% |
| 61% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 86.1% |
| School Test Score | 7.25 |
| RUCC Code 1 | Metro — 1 million+ |
| Population Density | 6,876/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.8 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 1 |
| Public Libraries | 28 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,893 |
| Restaurants | 1,170 |
| Retail Stores | 1,549 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Avg Commute | 21.8 min |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |