PennsylvaniaPop. 33,619Small cities
Is Chester a Good Place to Live? Chester, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Chester ranks #1204 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #187 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($83,100, #1 of 208), and trails on high unemployment (6.7%, #182 of 184) and low household income ($41,342, #204 of 208).
Chester by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Chester's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Chester?
Chester's cost of living index is 102.6, 3% above the US level of 100 and #816 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,091/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $83,100.
| Measure | Chester | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 102.6#816 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,338/mo#196 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $83,100#4 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,091/mo#317 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2x#7 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 31.7%#1274 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Chester housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Chester safe?
Chester recorded 494 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #836 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #143 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chester Police Department. Property crime runs 1,794 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Chester | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 494#836 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,794#620 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Chester?
The median household in Chester earns $41,342, 50% below the US figure of $83,163 and 47% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 6.7% (US 4.3%). 29% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Chester | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $41,342#1300 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 6.7%#1016 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 29%#1287 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Chester?
The median resident of Chester is 33.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 14.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1276 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Chester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 33.9 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 14.4%#1276 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 40% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Chester's schools and health?
Chester's 7 public schools graduate 71.8% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 18.1 students per teacher and $20,827 spent per pupil. 44% of adults are obese and 18% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Chester | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 71.8%#1023 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 18.1#848 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $20,827#169 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 44%#1266 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 18%#1283 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 21.7%#1280 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 12.8%#933 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 7,310 students are enrolled in Chester's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Chester?
The average commute in Chester is 22.9 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 9.7% of workers take transit and 9.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Chester scores 14.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.3°F and winters 36.1°F, with 44.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Chester | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 22.9 min#586 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 7.7%#892 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 58.1% | 68.5% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 9.7% | 4.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 8.7% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 9.5% | 13.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.6#72 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41.3 | 26 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 44.3 | 27.5 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 52.8 | 34.3 | 4 |
| Apr | 64.7 | 44.3 | 3.5 |
| May | 74.4 | 54.2 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 83.2 | 63.9 | 4 |
| Jul | 87.8 | 69.6 | 4.4 |
| Aug | 85.8 | 67.9 | 4.3 |
| Sep | 78.9 | 60.9 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 67.2 | 49.2 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 55.9 | 38.8 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 46 | 31.2 | 4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Phila International Airport.
| Measure | Chester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.3°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 76.3°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 36.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 44.1 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Phila International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Chester?
Delaware County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Delaware County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Chester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.08%#66 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Delaware County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Delaware County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.0069% | 73% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0042% | 64% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0014% | 39% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0037% | 32% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.054% | 15% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Chester compare with similar-size cities?
Chester is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #187 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 33,619.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #1204 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 | 22.9 min |
| Meridian, MSPop. 34,137 | #1220 | 44.3 | $36,562 | $910/mo | 554 | 18.9 min |
| Leawood, KSPop. 33,809 | #22 | 72.6 | $185,625 | $1,983/mo | 71 | 20.9 min |
| Helena, MTPop. 33,639 | #513 | 57.9 | $71,036 | $1,092/mo | 582 | 13.7 min |
| Gillette, WYPop. 33,431 | #379 | 60.4 | $81,316 | $976/mo | 221 | 18.8 min |
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #1217 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 | 20.7 min |
| Dover, NHPop. 33,364 | #122 | 67.6 | $94,829 | $1,607/mo | 64 | 22.7 min |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #235 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 | 28.3 min |
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #9 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data | 23.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Chester compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Chester ranks #20 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 44.8 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 47% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate.
| City | Rank in PA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #1 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 |
| Levittown, PAPop. 50,926 | #2 | 62.1 | $105,071 | $1,556/mo | no data |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #3 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #4 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #5 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 |
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #6 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 |
| Drexel Hill, PAPop. 30,451 | #7 | 59.5 | $88,168 | $1,357/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #8 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 |
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #9 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 |
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #10 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #11 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #12 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #13 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #14 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 |
| Hazleton, PAPop. 30,111 | #15 | 49.0 | $46,177 | $1,089/mo | 164 |
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #16 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #17 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 |
| Harrisburg, PAPop. 50,287 | #18 | 47.3 | $48,099 | $1,062/mo | 634 |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #19 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #20 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 |
All 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, by overall score. Pennsylvania statewide: median income $77,545, violent crime 226.8 per 100,000.
How is Chester's score calculated?
Chester scores 44.8 out of 100, #1204 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Pennsylvania's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Chester. Similar-size median 52.9.
22.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Chester's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
62.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Chester. Similar-size median 52.2.
18.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Chester's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
48.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Chester's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
79.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Chester. Similar-size median 46.7.
4.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Chester. Similar-size median 44.2.
35.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Chester. Similar-size median 47.3.
63.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Chester's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
73.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Chester's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Chester has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Chester
Is Chester, PA a good place to live?
Chester ranks #1204 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #187 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($83,100, #1 of 208), and trails on high unemployment (6.7%, #182 of 184) and low household income ($41,342, #204 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Chester?
Chester's cost of living index is 102.6, 3% above the US level of 100 and #816 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,091/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $83,100.
What is the crime rate in Chester?
Chester recorded 494 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 51% above the US rate of 328 and 2.2 times Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #836 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #143 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Chester Police Department. Property crime runs 1,794 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Chester?
The median household in Chester earns $41,342, 50% below the US figure of $83,163 and 47% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 6.7% (US 4.3%). 29% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Chester?
Median rent in Chester is $1,091/mo (Census), #317 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,338/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 31.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Chester?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Chester is $83,100, #4 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Chester?
Chester's 7 public schools graduate 71.8% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 18.1 students per teacher and $20,827 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Chester?
The average commute is 22.9 minutes, #586 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 7.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Chester?
Chester averages 56.3°F over the year, 76.3°F in summer and 36.1°F in winter, with 44.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Chester walkable?
Chester scores 14.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Chester at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Delaware County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hurricane, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Chester?
Delaware County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Chester?
Chester has 33,619 residents. The median resident of Chester is 33.9 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 14.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1276 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Chester compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Chester ranks #20 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 44.8 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 47% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 2.2 times the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to Chester?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Chester's population of 33,619 are Meridian, MS (#1220 overall), Leawood, KS (#22 overall), Helena, MT (#513 overall), Gillette, WY (#379 overall), and Gadsden, AL (#1217 overall). Chester is #1204.