Chester, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,797
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,625/yr
8.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,122
-9.4% year-over-year change

Chester population

How many people live in Chester

Chester is home to 6,797 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 68% of Chester locals are male, and 32% are female.

Total population
6,797
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
68%
4,625
Female
32%
2,172
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,625 68% -0.9%
Female 2,172 32% 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 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.8% are children under 15, then 6.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 35.6% of the population, while another 32.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.8%
15 to 24
6.1%
25 to 44
35.6%
45 to 64
32.5%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 734 10.8% 35.4%
15 to 24 416 6.1% -21.4%
25 to 44 2,421 35.6% -4.5%
45 to 64 2,207 32.5% 1.9%
Over 65 1,019 15% -3.8%
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, 98.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 2.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,711 98.7% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 37 0.5% -50.7%
Non-citizens 49 0.7% -19.7%
Racial breakdown
White
68.5%
Black or African American
27.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
2.9%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 4,657 68.5%
Black or African American 1,868 27.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 26 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 8 0.1%
Two or more races 200 2.9%
Other 38 0.6%

Households in Chester

A peek inside Chester households

Chester has 1,827 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.4% are families, while the remaining 39.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,827
-6.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
723
Family households
1,104
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 723 39.6% -19.0%
Family households 1,104 60.4% 4.3%
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 2,122 units, with 85.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,122
-9.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,818 85.7%
1 unit, attached 12 0.6%
2 units 76 3.6%
3 or 4 units 79 3.7%
5 to 9 units 17 0.8%
20 to 49 units 41 1.9%
Mobile home 79 3.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chester

In Chester, the median construction year is 1957. About 28.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 600 28.3% -4.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 257 12.1% -9.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 282 13.3% -16.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 304 14.3% 16.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 255 12% -32.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 94 4.4% -9.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 177 8.3% -19.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 111 5.2% 24.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 42 2% 2.4%
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 1,827 occupied housing units in Chester, 74% are owner-occupied, while 26% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,827
-6.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
475
Owner occupied
1,352
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 475 26% -15.9%
Owner occupied 1,352 74% -2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
13.9%
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 $823 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $760.

Median housing costs per month
$823/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
$760/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 62.7% of the population in Chester went to high school, while 16.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.9% earned an associate degree and 6.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 258 4.3% -3.4%
High school diploma 3,739 62.7% -4.9%
College diploma 996 16.7% -19.3%
Associate degree 351 5.9% 28.6%
Bachelor's degree 402 6.7% 2.8%
Graduate degree 218 3.7% 153.5%
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 $91,292 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,625, reflecting a +8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chester
$91,292/year
7.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chester
$80,625/year
8.0% year-over-year change

Chester income by age

In Chester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $102,143. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,208 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,079, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $72,614 in earnings. Overall, 78.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,079 N/A
25 - 44 $102,143 -14.3%
45 - 64 $85,208 17.4%
Over 65 $72,614 45.2%
Above poverty level
3,311
Below poverty level
896
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,311 78.7% -3.7%
Below poverty level 896 21.3% 10.5%

Average renter income in Chester

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chester, their median household income was $46,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 19.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$46,250
Rent-to-income ratio
19.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Chester

Workforce and job types in Chester

The job market in Chester is powered by 2,007 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 47.9% are employed by private companies, and 35.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,007
-3.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,545
Blue collar
462
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,545 77% -3.9%
Blue collar 462 23% -4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
47.9%
Governmental workers
35.8%
Not for profit companies
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 147 7.3% 2.8%
Private companies 961 47.9% 2.2%
Governmental workers 719 35.8% -16.5%
Not for profit companies 180 9% 24.1%
Unemployment rate
4.7%
50.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chester stands at 4.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Chester

How people get around in Chester

Commuting methods vary: 90% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.6% 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 1,753 90% -10.2%
Bicycle 53 2.7% 29.3%
Walk 89 4.6% 43.5%
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
62233 8,326 2,427 $84,556 $90,158

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chester demographics 

What is the total population of Chester?

Chester has a total population of 6,797 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chester?

The gender ratio in Chester is as follows:
  • 68% males (4,625 residents)
  • 32% females (2,172 residents)

What is the median age in Chester?

The median age in Chester is 43.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chester?

The age distribution in Chester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.8% (734 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.1% (416 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 35.6% (2,421 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.5% (2,207 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (1,019 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chester is as follows:
  • White: 68.5% (4,657 residents)
  • Black or African American: 27.5% (1,868 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (26 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (8 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.9% (200 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (38 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.7% of the population in Chester.

How many housing units are there in Chester?

There are 2,122 housing units in Chester, reflecting a -9.4% 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 1,827 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chester?

Chester has a median household income of $80,625, representing a +8.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Chester?

The employment rate is 95.3% in Chester, with a workforce of 2,007 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77% (1,545 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23% (462 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (147 residents)
  • Private companies: 47.9% (961 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 35.8% (719 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9% (180 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