Chester, CT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,766
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$109,191/yr
15.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,689
2.2% year-over-year change

Chester population

How many people live in Chester

Chester is home to 3,766 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.6% of Chester locals are male, and 45.4% are female.

Total population
3,766
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.6%
2,057
Female
45.4%
1,709
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,057 54.6% 1.5%
Female 1,709 45.4% 0.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Chester is 54, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.7% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18.1% of the population, while another 29.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
54
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.7%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
18.1%
45 to 64
29.1%
Over 65
26.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 555 14.7% -0.9%
15 to 24 423 11.2% -6.0%
25 to 44 681 18.1% 7.9%
45 to 64 1,095 29.1% -4.2%
Over 65 1,011 26.8% 7.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Chester, 93.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.4% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,525 93.6% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 165 4.4% 17.9%
Non-citizens 76 2% 10.1%
Racial breakdown
White
89.4%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 3,365 89.4%
Black or African American 62 1.6%
Asian 16 0.4%
Two or more races 253 6.7%
Other 70 1.9%

Households in Chester

A peek inside Chester households

Chester has 1,603 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.5% are families, while the remaining 35.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,603
2.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
569
Family households
1,034
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 569 35.5% -3.1%
Family households 1,034 64.5% 6.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Chester

The housing landscape of Chester

Chester's housing consists of 1,689 units, with 77.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
1,689
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,303 77.2%
1 unit, attached 59 3.5%
2 units 63 3.7%
3 or 4 units 150 8.9%
5 to 9 units 60 3.6%
20 to 49 units 9 0.5%
50 or more units 45 2.7%
Homes built since 2020
7
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chester

In Chester, the median construction year is 1969. About 29% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 490 29% -6.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 55 3.3% 66.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 176 10.4% -21.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 130 7.7% -14.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 205 12.1% -14.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 215 12.7% 37.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 181 10.7% 42.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 193 11.4% 12.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 36 2.1% 89.5%
Built in 2020 or later 7 0.4% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Chester occupancy rates

Out of the 1,603 occupied housing units in Chester, 73.2% are owner-occupied, while 26.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,603
2.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
430
Owner occupied
1,173
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 430 26.8% -0.2%
Owner occupied 1,173 73.2% 3.9%
Unoccupied housing units
5.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Chester housing costs

Housing costs in Chester come to a median of $1,856 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,549.

Median housing costs per month
$1,856/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Chester
$1,549/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Chester

Chester education at a glance

About 23% of the population in Chester went to high school, while 23.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 21.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 54 1.7% -23.9%
High school diploma 715 23% 4.5%
College diploma 738 23.8% -20.3%
Associate degree 213 6.9% 12.7%
Bachelor's degree 675 21.7% 8.3%
Graduate degree 712 22.9% 22.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Chester

How much people earn in Chester

The average annual household income in Chester was $142,123 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $109,191, reflecting a +15.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chester
$142,123/year
10.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chester
$109,191/year
15.5% year-over-year change

Chester income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $145,511 overall. Overall, 88.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $145,511 29.6%
Over 65 $88,438 21.3%
Above poverty level
3,237
Below poverty level
436
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,237 88.1% 1.4%
Below poverty level 436 11.9% -0.7%

Employment in Chester

Workforce and job types in Chester

81% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.3% run their own businesses, 61.5% are employed by private companies, and 17.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,526
Blue collar
358
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,526 81% 8.1%
Blue collar 358 19% -17.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
61.5%
Governmental workers
17.6%
Not for profit companies
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 157 8.3% 1.3%
Private companies 1,159 61.5% -0.6%
Governmental workers 332 17.6% 3.1%
Not for profit companies 237 12.6% 15.6%

Transportation in Chester

How people get around in Chester

Commuting methods vary: 97.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,472 97.1% -1.3%
Bus or trolleybus 5 0.3% -50.0%
Ferryboat 27 1.8% -6.9%
Walk 12 0.8% 20.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Chester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
06412 3,825 1,628 $109,191 $142,233

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chester demographics 

What is the total population of Chester?

Chester has a total population of 3,766 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chester?

The gender ratio in Chester is as follows:
  • 54.6% males (2,057 residents)
  • 45.4% females (1,709 residents)

What is the median age in Chester?

The median age in Chester is 54.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chester?

The age distribution in Chester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.7% (555 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (423 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18.1% (681 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.1% (1,095 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.8% (1,011 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chester is as follows:
  • White: 89.4% (3,365 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (62 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (16 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (253 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (70 residents)

What percentage of the population in Chester are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.6% of the population in Chester.

How many housing units are there in Chester?

There are 1,689 housing units in Chester, reflecting a +2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Chester and what is the average household size?

Chester has a total of 1,603 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chester?

Chester has a median household income of $109,191, representing a +15.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Chester?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81% (1,526 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19% (358 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (157 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.5% (1,159 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.6% (332 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.6% (237 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025