Median Income
$67,417
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$128,400
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.1%
11% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,098
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.8%
61% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Chester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population215
Median Age47.4 yrs
Density262/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$67,417
Per Capita$41,815
Unemployment5.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$22,447M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$128,400
Rent$1,098
Ownership80.3%
Zillow$389,535
Housing Units129
Rent Burden20.8%
Health
Obesity31.0%
Uninsured3.3%
Smoking12.2%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain27.4 in/yr
Elevation1,595 ft (486 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.1%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 42%
Commute28 min
Broadband92.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries15
Is Chester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chester receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. 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 $67,417, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chester is $128,400, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,098 per month. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
30.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Chester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.4 inches, including 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Chester has a population of 215 with a density of 262 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 47.4 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.6% female and 61.4% male. The city is predominantly White (88.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
215
Total Population
2023 Census
47.4yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Chester is $67,417, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,815. The average weekly wage is $1,252, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,989 business establishments, including 558 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,417 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,815 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,252 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,803 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.8% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,989 |
| County GDP | $22,447M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 558 |
| Healthcare | 581 |
| Retail | 804 |
| Manufacturing | 192 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,828 |
| 95% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Chester is $128,400, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $389,535, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,098 (6% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 129 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,828 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $128,400 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $389,535 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,098 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.7% |
| Housing Units | 129 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,828 |
| 95% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.32% |
In Chester, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 12.2% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 18.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.8% report depression. 14.6% experience frequent mental distress. 3.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:979. The dentist ratio is 1:1,774. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.2% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.2% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 14.6% |
| Physical Distress | 9.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 3.3% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:979 |
| Dentists | 1:1,774 |
| Mental Health | 1:396 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 73.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,472/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 581 |
Chester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 27.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. 81% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,595 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,595 ft (486 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 262/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8996°N, 96.9278°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Minnehaha County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.4"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 81.4% |
| Unhealthy Days | 2 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0443 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.4 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.16 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.24 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 89.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
124 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
119 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
603 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 467 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
99 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
63 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jul 7, 1955 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Chester has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.5").
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) |
$222 ($133-$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177-$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89-$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709-$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66-$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133-$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354-$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89-$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53-$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44-$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133-$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544-$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354-$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873-$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443-$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430-$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772-$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709-$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177-$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886-$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66-$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66-$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22-$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22-$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66-$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54-$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53-$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71-$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66-$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063-$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27-$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532-$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443-$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177-$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354-$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430-$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44-$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27-$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133-$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89-$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $772 |
| Toddler | $772 |
| Preschool | $724 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $518 |
| Toddler | $518 |
| Preschool | $499 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chester
What is the population of Chester?
Chester has a population of 215 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 262 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.6% female and 61.4% male.
Is Chester expensive to live in?
Chester is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $67,417, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $128,400 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,098 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Chester?
Chester has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 27.4 inches, with 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester is 5.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,252. There are 9,989 business establishments in the area, including 558 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chester?
The median home value in Chester is $128,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $389,535. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,098. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,828.
How are the schools in Chester?
Schools in Chester score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.1% of adults in Chester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chester?
The obesity rate in Chester is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.2% of adults are smokers. 18.2% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 3.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:979.
What is transportation like in Chester?
The average commute in Chester is 28 minutes. 88.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chester is 88.8% White. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 18.1% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.