Chester, VA
Population 23,519 · Virginia
About Chester, VA
Chester is a mid-sized city located in Virginia with a population of 23,519 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,455 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.2 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 $290,600, which is 19% 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 $1,463, 26% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,697 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (6,710 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (2,493 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chester shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chester have an average one-way commute time of 28.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.6% 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 1.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, and 6.3% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chester Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Chester, VA
Compared to national averages, Chester has a median household income of $88,455 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $290,600, which is 19% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,463 is 26% above the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Chester's income is 1% above the state average of $87,957, and home values are 11% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Chester, VA?
Chester offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,455, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a low poverty rate of 7.8%, better than the national average.
Chester has a population of 23,519 with a median age of 41.2 years. Compare Chester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Chester
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Hill | 23,443 | $119,474 | $470,400 | Compare |
| Chantilly | 23,744 | $143,786 | $633,900 | Compare |
| Brambleton | 23,999 | $250,001 | $833,000 | Compare |
| Hopewell | 22,944 | $48,681 | $165,100 | Compare |
| West Springfield | 22,905 | $157,800 | $612,200 | Compare |
| Leesylvania | 22,848 | $137,460 | $508,800 | Compare |
| Christiansburg | 22,820 | $75,451 | $242,900 | Compare |
| Waynesboro | 22,574 | $56,364 | $236,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
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, VA?
The population of Chester, VA is 23,519 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester, VA is $88,455 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chester?
The median home value in Chester, VA is $290,600, which is 19% 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, VA is $1,463, which is 26% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chester?
The unemployment rate in Chester, VA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chester, VA a good place to live?
Chester offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 23,519 and a median age of 41.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chester, VA?
32.6% 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, VA: median home value is $290,600 (19% above national), median rent is $1,463/month, and median household income is $88,455. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chester?
The poverty rate in Chester, VA is 7.8%, 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, VA?
Chester's population is 1.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 3.3% Black or African American, 6.3% Asian, and 28.0% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.