Chester, VT
Population 1,356 · Vermont
About Chester, VT
Chester is a small town located in Vermont with a population of 1,356 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,782 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.1 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 $245,300, which is 0% above 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 $938, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 741 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (302 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (244 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 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 0.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chester have an average one-way commute time of 27.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
42.9% 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 8.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chester Ranks in Vermont
Cost of Living in Chester, VT
Compared to national averages, Chester has a median household income of $67,782 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $245,300, which is 0% above the national median. Monthly rent at $938 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Vermont, Chester's income is 7% below the state average of $72,974, and home values are 4% below the state median of $255,863.
Why Live in Chester, VT?
Chester offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $938/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%, and a well-educated community where 42.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 0.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,782) 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 1,356 with a median age of 39.1 years. Compare Chester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Vermont.
Similar Cities Near Chester
Cities in Vermont with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Bennington | 1,342 | $67,500 | $275,000 | Compare |
| Bradford | 1,326 | $96,213 | $246,400 | Compare |
| South Barre | 1,259 | $78,162 | $246,900 | Compare |
| Jericho | 1,230 | $94,063 | $397,800 | Compare |
| Lyndonville | 1,229 | $43,693 | $290,000 | Compare |
| Proctor | 1,568 | $65,375 | $196,100 | Compare |
| Enosburg Falls | 1,595 | $54,583 | $196,100 | Compare |
| Richford | 1,600 | $49,954 | $157,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Vermont
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, VT?
The population of Chester, VT is 1,356 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Vermont.
What is the median household income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester, VT is $67,782 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chester?
The median home value in Chester, VT is $245,300, which is 0% 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, VT is $938, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester, VT is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chester, VT a good place to live?
Chester offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,356 and a median age of 39.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chester, VT?
42.9% 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, VT: median home value is $245,300 (0% above national), median rent is $938/month, and median household income is $67,782. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chester?
The poverty rate in Chester, VT is 0.0%, 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, VT?
Chester's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 8.1% of residents are foreign-born.