Chester, MA
Population 692 · Massachusetts
About Chester, MA
Chester is a small community located in Massachusetts with a population of 692 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $86,042 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 $203,300, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Chester in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,095, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 283 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (158 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (66 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chester shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chester have an average one-way commute time of 29.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.1% 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chester Ranks in Massachusetts
Cost of Living in Chester, MA
Compared to national averages, Chester has a median household income of $86,042 (14% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $203,300, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,095 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Massachusetts, Chester's income is 19% below the state average of $105,630, and home values are 64% below the state median of $561,296.
Why Live in Chester, MA?
Chester offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $86,042, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $203,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,095/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a low poverty rate of 2.9%, better than the national average.
Chester has a population of 692 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Chester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Massachusetts.
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Other Cities in Massachusetts
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, MA?
The population of Chester, MA is 692 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Massachusetts.
What is the median household income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester, MA is $86,042 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chester?
The median home value in Chester, MA is $203,300, which is 17% 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, MA is $1,095, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester, MA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chester, MA a good place to live?
Chester offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 692 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chester, MA?
16.1% 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, MA: median home value is $203,300 (17% below national), median rent is $1,095/month, and median household income is $86,042. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chester?
The poverty rate in Chester, MA is 2.9%, 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, MA?
Chester's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.