Median Income
$41,231
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,400
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,528/100K
302% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.1%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$905
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.4%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.4%
78% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.6%
98% higher than US avg
How Chester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,241
Median Age37.3 yrs
Density1,588/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$41,231
Per Capita$20,708
Unemployment6.4%
Poverty24.6%
County GDP$1,822M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,400
Rent$905
Ownership54.4%
Zillow$134,205
Housing Units2,607
Rent Burden30.8%
Crime
F
Violent1,528/100K
Property3,968/100K
Murder93.1/100K
Assault1,304/100K
Burglary540/100K
Health
Obesity44.4%
Uninsured18.1%
Smoking22.4%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain45.9 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation533 ft (162 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.1%
High School+80.3%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score3.92
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute32 min
Broadband79.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Chester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chester receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chester is $41,231, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 24.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chester is $106,400, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $905 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,528 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 3,968 per 100,000, 102% above the national average.
Education
13.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.3% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.9/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Chester enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Chester has a population of 5,241 with a density of 1,588 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 37.3 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly Black (64.6%), with 31.8% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.3yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Chester is $41,231, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,708 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,124, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 24.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 671 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.7, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,231 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,708 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,124 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,276 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.4% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.6% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 671 |
| County GDP | $1,822M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 48 |
| Retail | 91 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,743 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Chester is $106,400, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $134,205, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $905 (22% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $816 for a one-bedroom to $1,056 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,607 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $2,743 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 30.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,400 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $134,205 |
| Median List Price | $189,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $189,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $140 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.5% |
| Price Drops | 13.3% |
| Inventory | 30 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $905 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $811 |
| 1 Bedroom | $816 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,056 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,469 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,547 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.6% |
| Housing Units | 2,607 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,743 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.58% |
In Chester, 44.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 18.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 45.8% have high blood pressure. 22.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.6% report binge drinking. 39.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.0% report depression. 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 18.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,579. The dentist ratio is 1:6,386. 28.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.4% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 18.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 45.8% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 10.5% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 5.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.4% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.6% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 18.0% |
| Short Sleep | 44.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.5% |
| Uninsured | 18.1% |
| 110% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,579 |
| Dentists | 1:6,386 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,790 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.4% |
| Dental Visits | 45.6% |
| Premature Death | 17,890/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 28.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 48 |
Chester has a violent crime rate of 1,528 per 100,000 residents, 302% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 1,304.0 per 100,000, robbery at 37.3, rape at 93.1. The murder rate is 93.1 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,968 per 100,000, 102% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,241, burglary at 540, vehicle theft at 186 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 16 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 | 1,527.6/100K |
| 302% above US avg |
| Murder | 93.1/100K |
| 1378% above US avg |
| Rape | 93.1/100K |
| Robbery | 37.3/100K |
| Assault | 1,304.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,968.0/100K |
| 102% above US avg |
| Burglary | 540.2/100K |
| Theft | 3,241.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 186.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1,081 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 310 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 45.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 533 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 60.4°F |
| 12% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 533 ft (162 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,588/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7050°N, 81.2132°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Chester County County |
| Nearest Airport | Charlotte/Douglas International (CLT) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.9"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
42 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Feb 15, 2014 |
12 km ENE of Parksville, South Carolina |
M4.1 |
128 km |
| Apr 13, 1998 |
9 km S of Kershaw, South Carolina |
M3.9 |
62 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.6 |
75 km |
| Jun 29, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.5 |
75 km |
| Jan 3, 1992 |
4 km ENE of Willington, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Jun 26, 2022 |
6 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| May 9, 2022 |
5 km ESE of Elgin, South Carolina |
M3.3 |
75 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
102 km |
| Aug 8, 1993 |
12 km ENE of Aiken, South Carolina |
M3.2 |
128 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km N of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
93 km |
| Feb 16, 2014 |
13 km WNW of Edgefield, South Carolina |
M3.0 |
125 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
118 km |
| Feb 18, 2005 |
7 km ENE of Irmo, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
66 km |
| Jan 29, 1994 |
12 km NNE of Alcolu, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Mar 21, 2011 |
9 km S of Cordova, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
127 km |
| Aug 23, 2025 |
3 km NNW of Coronaca, South Carolina |
M2.9 |
94 km |
| Sep 18, 1996 |
6 km E of Clarks Hill, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Apr 26, 2013 |
9 km E of Lincolnton, Georgia |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| May 10, 2022 |
5 km E of Elgin, South Carolina |
M2.8 |
74 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
10 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Ian (2022, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
265 km |
| 2018 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
270 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 2 |
244 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
241 km |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
236 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
10 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
286 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 3 |
279 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
464 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 31 fatalities, 635 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
91 km |
4 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
78 km |
2 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
39 km |
5 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF4 |
59 km |
4 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 7, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 2, 1995 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1994 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1990 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1984 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Dec 13, 1973 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1952 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BURNING UNIT (5,567 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
BURNING UNIT |
5,567 |
20 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
5,322 |
83 km |
| 2010 |
C-94-95 133 RX |
3,192 |
51 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,094 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,909 |
51 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,690 |
25 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,514 |
55 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,458 |
29 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,395 |
46 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,362 |
41 km |
| 2008 |
05/05 RX BURN |
2,351 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,274 |
29 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,237 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
C-142 RX |
2,149 |
53 km |
| 2007 |
06-09 RX BURN |
2,054 |
90 km |
| 2022 |
SCCRR-FY22-RX-PRESCRIBED FIRE |
2,039 |
87 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,024 |
45 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,000 |
51 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,964 |
20 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,918 |
23 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
52°F (11°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
80°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Chester has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 41°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.0") and April the driest (3.2").
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) |
$234 ($141–$375) |
| Specialist Visit |
$328 ($187–$515) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($94–$328) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,061 ($750–$4,685) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$234 ($141–$375) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$562 ($375–$937) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($94–$328) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$375 ($141–$750) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,559 ($3,748–$11,244) |
| Roof Repair |
$937 ($375–$1,874) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,433 ($5,154–$14,055) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,406 ($469–$3,280) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,055 ($4,685–$28,110) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,685 ($1,874–$9,370) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,406 ($750–$2,811) |
| Will Preparation |
$469 ($187–$937) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,343 ($937–$4,685) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($70–$234) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.84 ($2.81–$5.15) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.28 ($2.34–$4.69) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.56 ($2.34–$5.15) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.22 ($2.81–$6.09) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.15 ($3.75–$7.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$234) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($37–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$469) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,874 ($1,124–$3,280) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.50–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$234) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,124 ($562–$2,343) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$937 ($469–$1,874) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$375 ($187–$656) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$937 ($375–$2,343) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,713 ($4,685–$28,110) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$281 ($141–$469) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($94–$375) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $508 |
| Toddler | $508 |
| Preschool | $551 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $580 |
| Toddler | $580 |
| Preschool | $594 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chester
What is the population of Chester?
Chester has a population of 5,241 residents and is located in South Carolina. The population density is 1,588 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.3 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Chester expensive to live in?
Chester is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.7 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,231, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,400 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $905 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chester safe?
Public safety is a concern in Chester, with a violent crime rate of 1,528 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,968 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chester receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chester?
Chester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester is 6.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,124. There are 671 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chester?
The median home value in Chester is $106,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $134,205. For renters, the median monthly rent is $905. Fair market rent is $816 for a 1-bedroom and $1,056 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,743.
How are the schools in Chester?
Schools in Chester have an average test score of 3.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.1% of adults in Chester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.3% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chester?
The obesity rate in Chester is 44.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.4% of adults are smokers. 39.6% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 18.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 28.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,579.
What is transportation like in Chester?
The average commute in Chester is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chester is 31.8% White, 64.6% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.1% of residents have a disability. 88.5% have health insurance coverage.