Chester, PA
Population 33,209 · Pennsylvania
About Chester, PA
Chester is a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania with a population of 33,209 residents. The median household income is $39,809 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Chester is 33.3 years.
Housing in Chester has a median home value of $85,400 and median monthly rent of $1,080. Of the 14,845 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 5,146 owner-occupied and 7,431 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Chester is 17.6% and the poverty rate is 30.8%. 13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.8 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chester
What is the population of Chester, PA?
The population of Chester, PA is 33,209 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester, PA is $39,809 per year.
What is the median home value in Chester?
The median home value in Chester, PA is $85,400.
What is the average rent in Chester?
The median monthly rent in Chester, PA is $1,080.
What is the unemployment rate in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester, PA is 17.6%.