Chester, IL
Population 6,830 · Illinois
About Chester, IL
Chester is a small community in Illinois with a population of 6,830 residents. The median household income is $74,673 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Chester is 43.5 years.
Housing in Chester has a median home value of $107,800 and median monthly rent of $642. Of the 2,342 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,386 owner-occupied and 565 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Chester is 3.0% and the poverty rate is 19.5%. 7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.7 minutes.
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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester, IL is $74,673 per year.
What is the median home value in Chester?
The median home value in Chester, IL is $107,800.
What is the average rent in Chester?
The median monthly rent in Chester, IL is $642.
What is the unemployment rate in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester, IL is 3.0%.