Chester, IA
Population 141 · Iowa
About Chester, IA
Chester is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 141 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,500 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 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 $101,800, which is 58% 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 $513, 56% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 76 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (49 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (9 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chester shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chester have an average one-way commute time of 33.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.2% 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 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chester Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Chester, IA
Compared to national averages, Chester has a median household income of $57,500 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,800, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $513 is 56% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Chester's income is 15% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 23% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Chester, IA?
Chester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $513/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,500) 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 141 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Chester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chester
What is the population of Chester, IA?
The population of Chester, IA is 141 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester, IA is $57,500 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chester?
The median home value in Chester, IA is $101,800, which is 58% 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, IA is $513, which is 56% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester, IA is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chester, IA a good place to live?
Chester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 141 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chester, IA?
12.2% 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, IA: median home value is $101,800 (58% below national), median rent is $513/month, and median household income is $57,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chester?
The poverty rate in Chester, IA is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chester, IA?
Chester's population is 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.