Chester Center, CT
Population 1,876 · Connecticut
About Chester Center, CT
Chester Center is a small town located in Connecticut with a population of 1,876 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,542 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chester Center features a median home value of $397,400, which is 62% above the national median of $244,900. This places Chester Center in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,338, 15% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 887 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (575 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (250 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chester Center shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chester Center have an average one-way commute time of 25.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.5% of Chester Center residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 6.4% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chester Center, CT
Compared to national averages, Chester Center has a median household income of $73,542 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $397,400, which is 62% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,338 is 15% above the US average of $1,163. Within Connecticut, Chester Center's income is 40% below the state average of $123,065, and home values are 23% below the state median of $516,920.
Why Live in Chester Center, CT?
Chester Center offers a well-educated community where 35.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,542) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $397,400. However, Chester Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chester Center has a population of 1,876 with a median age of 50.6 years. Compare Chester Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Connecticut.
Similar Cities Near Chester Center
Cities in Connecticut with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison Center | 1,818 | $190,769 | $816,800 | Compare |
| Moodus | 1,815 | $88,482 | $259,000 | Compare |
| Suffield Depot | 1,947 | $0 | $377,500 | Compare |
| Ridgebury | 1,949 | $207,721 | $821,100 | Compare |
| Crystal Lake | 1,963 | $142,642 | $345,300 | Compare |
| Newtown | 1,968 | $161,000 | $465,400 | Compare |
| Mill Plain | 1,980 | $190,250 | $806,600 | Compare |
| Blue Hills | 1,989 | $62,672 | $199,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Connecticut
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chester Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chester Center
What is the population of Chester Center, CT?
The population of Chester Center, CT is 1,876 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Connecticut.
What is the median household income in Chester Center?
The median household income in Chester Center, CT is $73,542 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chester Center?
The median home value in Chester Center, CT is $397,400, which is 62% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chester Center?
The median monthly rent in Chester Center, CT is $1,338, which is 15% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chester Center?
The unemployment rate in Chester Center, CT is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chester Center, CT a good place to live?
Chester Center offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,876 and a median age of 50.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Chester Center, CT?
35.5% of residents in Chester Center aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chester Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chester Center, CT: median home value is $397,400 (62% above national), median rent is $1,338/month, and median household income is $73,542. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chester Center?
The poverty rate in Chester Center, CT is 18.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Chester Center, CT?
Chester Center's population is 0.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 6.4% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.