Chester, MD
Population 4,539 · Maryland
About Chester, MD
Chester is a small town located in Maryland with a population of 4,539 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $90,938 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.8 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 $441,200, which is 80% above the national median of $244,900. This places Chester in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,849, 59% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,387 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (1,244 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (683 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 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chester have an average one-way commute time of 35.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
37.6% of Chester 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 0.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 5.7% Asian residents, with 10.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chester, MD
Compared to national averages, Chester has a median household income of $90,938 (21% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $441,200, which is 80% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,849 is 59% above the US average of $1,163. Within Maryland, Chester's income is 16% below the state average of $107,956, and home values are 10% above the state median of $402,447.
Why Live in Chester, MD?
Chester offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $90,938, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and a well-educated community where 37.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $441,200. However, Chester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chester has a population of 4,539 with a median age of 43.8 years. Compare Chester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Maryland.
Similar Cities Near Chester
Cities in Maryland with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Pleasant | 4,515 | $54,076 | $296,600 | Compare |
| St. James | 4,581 | $103,105 | $390,800 | Compare |
| Springdale | 4,476 | $168,400 | $436,500 | Compare |
| Shady Side | 4,460 | $138,346 | $446,800 | Compare |
| Perryville | 4,425 | $75,543 | $267,700 | Compare |
| National Harbor | 4,418 | $133,616 | $462,000 | Compare |
| La Vale | 4,388 | $77,634 | $171,300 | Compare |
| Woodmore | 4,710 | $186,713 | $561,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Maryland
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, MD?
The population of Chester, MD is 4,539 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Maryland.
What is the median household income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester, MD is $90,938 per year, which is 21% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chester?
The median home value in Chester, MD is $441,200, which is 80% above 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, MD is $1,849, which is 59% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester, MD is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chester, MD a good place to live?
Chester offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,539 and a median age of 43.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chester, MD?
37.6% of residents in Chester 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?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chester, MD: median home value is $441,200 (80% above national), median rent is $1,849/month, and median household income is $90,938. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chester?
The poverty rate in Chester, MD is 10.6%, 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, MD?
Chester's population is 0.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 5.7% Asian, and 7.8% two or more races. 10.1% of residents are foreign-born.