Chester, GA
Population 1,708 · Georgia
About Chester, GA
Chester is a small town located in Georgia with a population of 1,708 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,500 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chester features a median home value of $78,300, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chester one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $392, 66% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 231 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (95 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (73 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chester shows an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 36.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chester have an average one-way commute time of 32.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.0% of Chester residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chester Ranks in Georgia
Cost of Living in Chester, GA
Compared to national averages, Chester has a median household income of $47,500 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $78,300, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $392 is 66% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Chester's income is 22% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 60% below the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Chester, GA?
Chester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $78,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $392/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,500) that falls below the national average. However, Chester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chester has a population of 1,708 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Chester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Chester
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcade | 1,705 | $58,750 | $228,800 | Compare |
| Zebulon | 1,711 | $47,917 | $210,800 | Compare |
| Berry College | 1,712 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Emerson | 1,716 | $76,424 | $209,700 | Compare |
| Ellaville | 1,698 | $53,750 | $153,200 | Compare |
| Lincolnton | 1,695 | $40,372 | $212,600 | Compare |
| Blue Ridge | 1,688 | $45,938 | $258,700 | Compare |
| Union Point | 1,745 | $58,487 | $84,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Georgia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chester With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chester
What is the population of Chester, GA?
The population of Chester, GA is 1,708 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Georgia.
What is the median household income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester, GA is $47,500 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chester?
The median home value in Chester, GA is $78,300, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chester?
The median monthly rent in Chester, GA is $392, which is 66% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester, GA is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chester, GA a good place to live?
Chester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,708 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chester, GA?
6.0% of residents in Chester aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Chester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chester, GA: median home value is $78,300 (68% below national), median rent is $392/month, and median household income is $47,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chester?
The poverty rate in Chester, GA is 36.2%, 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, GA?
Chester's population is 5.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 51.4% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.