Chester, ME demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,555
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,645/yr
10.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
923
-3.6% year-over-year change

Chester population

How many people live in Chester

Chester is home to 1,555 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.9% of Chester locals are male, and 52.1% are female.

Total population
1,555
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.9%
745
Female
52.1%
810
Value Percent YoY change
Male 745 47.9% 4.2%
Female 810 52.1% -1.3%
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 52, with the population distributed as follows: about 11% are children under 15, then 8.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.5% of the population, while another 30% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
52
Age breakdown
Under 15
11%
15 to 24
8.7%
25 to 44
20.5%
45 to 64
30%
Over 65
29.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 171 11% -14.9%
15 to 24 135 8.7% 58.8%
25 to 44 318 20.5% 10.0%
45 to 64 467 30% -2.9%
Over 65 463 29.8% -3.5%
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, 95.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.3%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,480 95.2% 3.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 67 4.3% -23.0%
Non-citizens 8 0.5% -33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
96.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.8%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 1,497 96.3%
Asian 4 0.3%
Two or more races 44 2.8%
Other 10 0.6%

Households in Chester

A peek inside Chester households

Chester has 733 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.7% are families, while the remaining 42.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
733
-2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
309
Family households
423
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 309 42.2% -5.2%
Family households 423 57.7% -0.7%
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 923 units, with 76% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.1% 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 6.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
923
-3.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 701 76%
1 unit, attached 1 0.1%
3 or 4 units 37 4%
5 to 9 units 10 1.1%
10 to 19 units 61 6.6%
20 to 49 units 42 4.6%
Mobile home 62 6.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 8 0.9%
Homes built since 2020
3
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chester

In Chester, the median construction year is 1981. About 10.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 100 10.8% 1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 78 8.5% 116.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 34 3.7% 25.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 94 10.2% -6.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 142 15.4% -30.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 117 12.7% 1.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 156 16.9% -15.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 127 13.8% -9.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 71 7.7% 47.9%
Built in 2020 or later 3 0.3% 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 733 occupied housing units in Chester, 73.8% are owner-occupied, while 26.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
733
-2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
192
Owner occupied
541
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 192 26.2% 1.6%
Owner occupied 541 73.8% -3.9%
Unoccupied housing units
20.6%
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 $682 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $663.

Median housing costs per month
$682/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
$663/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 45.2% of the population in Chester went to high school, while 24% pursued college studies. Another 11.4% earned an associate degree and 12% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 18 1.3% -18.2%
High school diploma 613 45.2% 9.9%
College diploma 325 24% -6.9%
Associate degree 154 11.4% 13.2%
Bachelor's degree 163 12% -5.2%
Graduate degree 83 6.1% -4.6%
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 $67,531 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,645, reflecting a +10.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chester
$67,531/year
11.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chester
$56,645/year
10.2% 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 $57,471. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,742 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $63,524, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $34,313 in earnings. Overall, 85.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $63,524 4.9%
25 - 44 $57,471 -11.9%
45 - 64 $68,742 5.2%
Over 65 $34,313 26.8%
Above poverty level
1,304
Below poverty level
222
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,304 85.4% 1.3%
Below poverty level 222 14.6% 7.8%

Employment in Chester

Workforce and job types in Chester

72.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 18.3% run their own businesses, 55.2% are employed by private companies, and 16.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
518
Blue collar
199
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 518 72.2% 2.8%
Blue collar 199 27.8% 45.3%
Employer type
Self employees
18.3%
Private companies
55.2%
Governmental workers
16.3%
Not for profit companies
10.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 131 18.3% 13.9%
Private companies 396 55.2% 12.2%
Governmental workers 117 16.3% 7.3%
Not for profit companies 73 10.2% 15.9%

Transportation in Chester

How people get around in Chester

Commuting methods vary: 93.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.2% 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 634 93.8% 10.1%
Walk 42 6.2% 7.7%
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
04457 5,823 2,745 $56,645 $67,531

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chester demographics 

What is the total population of Chester?

Chester has a total population of 1,555 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 +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chester?

The gender ratio in Chester is as follows:
  • 47.9% males (745 residents)
  • 52.1% females (810 residents)

What is the median age in Chester?

The median age in Chester is 52.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chester?

The age distribution in Chester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11% (171 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.7% (135 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.5% (318 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30% (467 residents)
  • Over 65: 29.8% (463 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chester is as follows:
  • White: 96.3% (1,497 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (4 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.8% (44 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (10 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.2% of the population in Chester.

How many housing units are there in Chester?

There are 923 housing units in Chester, reflecting a -3.6% 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 733 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chester?

Chester has a median household income of $56,645, representing a +10.2% 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: 72.2% (518 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.8% (199 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 18.3% (131 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.2% (396 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.3% (117 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.2% (73 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