Chester

Chester, Pennsylvania Overview

Chester faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (40.2/100) and ranking #20 of 20 cities in Pennsylvania. Even so, the city scores 76/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Fiscal Health score of 2/100.

Income & Employment in Chester

Chester’s median income of $39,809 is 46% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.4% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 5%.

Safety in Chester

With a violent crime rate of 1274.6 per 100,000, Chester exceeds the Pennsylvania average of 313. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2330.2 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Chester

Chester has a cost of living index of 105.1 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $85,400. Median monthly rent is $1,080. Renters allocate 32.6% of income to rent — above the 30% affordability threshold.

Education & Schools in Chester

The high school graduation rate in Chester is 71.8%, below the national average and a challenge for the community. The student-teacher ratio is 18.1:1. Local districts invest $20,827 per student, well above the national median. The city has 7 public schools serving 7,310 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Chester

Chester enjoys a moderate climate with an annual average of 57°F. Summers average 74.2°F. Winters average 41.7°F. Annual precipitation is 48.1 inches. 10% of commuters use public transit.

Frequently Asked Questions