Chester, PA
Population 33,209 · Pennsylvania
About Chester, PA
Chester is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 33,209 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,809 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chester features a median home value of $85,400, which is 65% 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 $1,080, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,845 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (5,146 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (7,431 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chester shows an unemployment rate of 17.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chester have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.3% 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 0.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chester Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Chester, PA
Compared to national averages, Chester has a median household income of $39,809 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $85,400, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,080 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Chester's income is 46% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 55% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Chester, PA?
Chester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $85,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,080/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,809) 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 33,209 with a median age of 33.3 years. Compare Chester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Chester
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel Park | 33,070 | $104,129 | $258,700 | Compare |
| Norristown | 35,782 | $65,058 | $205,100 | Compare |
| Drexel Hill | 30,015 | $87,993 | $239,900 | Compare |
| Hazleton | 29,886 | $43,379 | $129,000 | Compare |
| Easton | 29,079 | $63,775 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Monroeville | 28,383 | $78,191 | $197,400 | Compare |
| Williamsport | 27,629 | $49,363 | $146,500 | Compare |
| Plum | 26,873 | $98,475 | $218,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Chester, PA is 33,209 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester, PA is $39,809 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chester?
The median home value in Chester, PA is $85,400, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Chester?
The median monthly rent in Chester, PA is $1,080, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester, PA is 17.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chester, PA a good place to live?
Chester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 33,209 and a median age of 33.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Chester, PA?
13.3% 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, PA: median home value is $85,400 (65% below national), median rent is $1,080/month, and median household income is $39,809. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chester?
The poverty rate in Chester, PA is 30.8%, 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, PA?
Chester's population is 0.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.4% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 70.9% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.