Chester, IL
Population 6,830 · Illinois
About Chester, IL
Chester is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 6,830 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,673 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 features a median home value of $107,800, which is 56% 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 $642, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,342 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (1,386 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (565 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chester shows an unemployment rate of 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chester have an average one-way commute time of 20.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.8% 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 2.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chester, IL
Compared to national averages, Chester has a median household income of $74,673 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $107,800, which is 56% below the national median. Monthly rent at $642 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Chester's income is 1% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 35% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Chester, IL?
Chester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $107,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $642/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,673) 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 6,830 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Chester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Chester
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calumet Park | 6,836 | $57,389 | $180,800 | Compare |
| Litchfield | 6,814 | $54,190 | $100,500 | Compare |
| Murphysboro | 6,804 | $42,367 | $79,600 | Compare |
| Mount Carmel | 6,892 | $45,884 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Orland Hills | 6,758 | $118,281 | $262,600 | Compare |
| Mendota | 6,915 | $58,939 | $121,100 | Compare |
| Stickney | 6,957 | $67,307 | $236,000 | Compare |
| Winthrop Harbor | 6,663 | $94,221 | $238,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
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, IL?
The population of Chester, IL is 6,830 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester, IL is $74,673 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chester?
The median home value in Chester, IL is $107,800, which is 56% 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, IL is $642, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester, IL is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chester, IL a good place to live?
Chester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,830 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chester, IL?
7.8% 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, IL: median home value is $107,800 (56% below national), median rent is $642/month, and median household income is $74,673. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chester?
The poverty rate in Chester, IL is 19.5%, 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, IL?
Chester's population is 2.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 25.6% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.