West Chester, PA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
20,666
7.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,385/yr
-3.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
8,087
9.7% year-over-year change

West Chester population

How many people live in West Chester

West Chester is home to 20,666 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.7% of West Chester locals are male, and 55.3% are female.

Total population
20,666
7.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.7%
9,244
Female
55.3%
11,422
Value Percent YoY change
Male 9,244 44.7% 5.6%
Female 11,422 55.3% 8.9%
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 West Chester is 25, with the population distributed as follows: about 7.6% are children under 15, then 41.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 13% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
25.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
7.6%
15 to 24
41.6%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
13%
Over 65
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,575 7.6% 6.8%
15 to 24 8,607 41.6% 3.8%
25 to 44 5,411 26.2% 8.7%
45 to 64 2,696 13% 1.7%
Over 65 2,377 11.5% 29.2%
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 West Chester, 94% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.8% of locals are Caucasian, 14.7% are African American and 2.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.1%
Non-citizens
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,419 94% 9.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 855 4.1% -13.4%
Non-citizens 392 1.9% -21.8%
Racial breakdown
White
74.8%
Black or African American
14.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.6%
Other
2.6%
Value Percent
White 15,447 74.8%
Black or African American 3,038 14.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0%
Asian 474 2.3%
Two or more races 1,155 5.6%
Other 543 2.6%

Households in West Chester

A peek inside West Chester households

West Chester has 7,774 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 34.4% are families, while the remaining 65.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,774
11.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,103
Family households
2,671
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,103 65.6% 13.7%
Family households 2,671 34.4% 6.4%
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 West Chester

The housing landscape of West Chester

West Chester's housing consists of 8,087 units, with 17.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 31.5% 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 0.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
8,087
9.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,402 17.3%
1 unit, attached 2,544 31.5%
2 units 516 6.4%
3 or 4 units 877 10.8%
5 to 9 units 1,146 14.2%
10 to 19 units 167 2.1%
20 to 49 units 288 3.6%
50 or more units 1,134 14%
Mobile home 13 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
31
-64.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Chester

In West Chester, the median construction year is 1954. About 42.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.9% 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 3,447 42.6% 17.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 418 5.2% 44.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 476 5.9% -16.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 496 6.1% -6.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,241 15.4% 14.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 566 7% 19.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 114 1.4% -33.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 337 4.2% -6.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 961 11.9% 11.0%
Built in 2020 or later 31 0.4% -64.4%
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.

West Chester occupancy rates

Out of the 7,774 occupied housing units in West Chester, 35.4% are owner-occupied, while 64.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,774
11.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,021
Owner occupied
2,753
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,021 64.6% 10.1%
Owner occupied 2,753 35.4% 12.8%
Unoccupied housing units
3.9%
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.

West Chester housing costs

Housing costs in West Chester come to a median of $1,799 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,731.

Median housing costs per month
$1,799/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 West Chester
$1,731/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 West Chester

West Chester education at a glance

About 28.2% of the population in West Chester went to high school, while 27.7% pursued college studies. Another 3.8% earned an associate degree and 25.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 351 1.9% 6.4%
High school diploma 5,307 28.2% 7.1%
College diploma 5,200 27.7% 10.3%
Associate degree 709 3.8% 25.9%
Bachelor's degree 4,725 25.1% -0.2%
Graduate degree 2,507 13.3% 19.8%
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 West Chester

How much people earn in West Chester

The average annual household income in West Chester was $111,621 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,385, reflecting a -3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Chester
$111,621/year
-1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Chester
$78,385/year
-3.8% year-over-year change

West Chester income by age

In West Chester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $97,414. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $106,731 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $26,810, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $54,881 in earnings. Overall, 79.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $26,810 -43.4%
25 - 44 $97,414 2.2%
45 - 64 $106,731 -8.1%
Over 65 $54,881 20.9%
Above poverty level
12,328
Below poverty level
3,190
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,328 79.4% 3.9%
Below poverty level 3,190 20.6% 19.1%

Average renter income in West Chester

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in West Chester, their median household income was $55,968 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$55,968
Rent-to-income ratio
37.1%
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 West Chester

Workforce and job types in West Chester

The job market in West Chester is powered by 12,031 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7% run their own businesses, 74.8% are employed by private companies, and 10.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
12,031
7.4% year-over-year change
White collar
10,896
Blue collar
1,135
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 10,896 90.6% 7.7%
Blue collar 1,135 9.4% 4.3%
Employer type
Self employees
7%
Private companies
74.8%
Governmental workers
10.5%
Not for profit companies
7.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 848 7% -4.2%
Private companies 8,996 74.8% 9.2%
Governmental workers 1,264 10.5% 18.0%
Not for profit companies 923 7.7% -8.2%
Unemployment rate
7.0%
6.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in West Chester stands at 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 West Chester

How people get around in West Chester

Commuting methods vary: 66.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 13.9% 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 7,532 66.2% 0.7%
Taxicab 40 0.4% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 171 1.5% 51.3%
Railroad 14 0.1% -73.1%
Bicycle 51 0.4% 13.3%
Walk 1,579 13.9% 8.9%
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 West Chester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19380 49,856 21,077 $122,899 $158,971
19382 54,127 21,440 $132,091 $169,278
19383 6,537 180 $23,514 $25,088

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FAQs about West Chester demographics 

What is the total population of West Chester?

West Chester has a total population of 20,666 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 +7.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Chester?

The gender ratio in West Chester is as follows:
  • 44.7% males (9,244 residents)
  • 55.3% females (11,422 residents)

What is the median age in West Chester?

The median age in West Chester is 25.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Chester?

The age distribution in West Chester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 7.6% (1,575 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 41.6% (8,607 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (5,411 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 13% (2,696 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.5% (2,377 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Chester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Chester is as follows:
  • White: 74.8% (15,447 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.7% (3,038 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (474 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.6% (1,155 residents)
  • Other: 2.6% (543 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94% of the population in West Chester.

How many housing units are there in West Chester?

There are 8,087 housing units in West Chester, reflecting a +9.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Chester has a total of 7,774 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Chester?

West Chester has a median household income of $78,385, representing a -3.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93% in West Chester, with a workforce of 12,031 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.6% (10,896 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.4% (1,135 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7% (848 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.8% (8,996 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.5% (1,264 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.7% (923 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