Chester, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
152
-29.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,333/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
127
-4.5% year-over-year change

Chester population

How many people live in Chester

Chester is home to 152 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 57.2% of Chester locals are male, and 42.8% are female.

Total population
152
-29.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
57.2%
87
Female
42.8%
65
Value Percent YoY change
Male 87 57.2% -34.1%
Female 65 42.8% -21.7%
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 62, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.6% are children under 15, then 7.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.1% of the population, while another 27.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 39.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
62.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.6%
15 to 24
7.2%
25 to 44
19.1%
45 to 64
27.6%
Over 65
39.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10 6.6% -73.0%
15 to 24 11 7.2% -50.0%
25 to 44 29 19.1% -35.6%
45 to 64 42 27.6% -38.2%
Over 65 60 39.5% 39.5%
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

There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 152 100% -29.3%
Racial breakdown
White
89.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
5.3%
Value Percent
White 136 89.5%
Two or more races 8 5.3%
Other 8 5.3%

Households in Chester

A peek inside Chester households

Chester has 100 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50% are families, while the remaining 50% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
100
-14.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
50
Family households
50
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 50 50% 0.0%
Family households 50 50% -25.4%
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 Chester

The housing landscape of Chester

Chester's housing consists of 127 units, with 93.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
127
-4.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 119 93.7%
3 or 4 units 8 6.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chester

In Chester, the median construction year is 1938. About 52.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.4% 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 67 52.8% -11.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3 2.4% -57.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 12 9.4% 500.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 11 8.7% -21.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 20 15.8% 11.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3 2.4% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 9 7.1% -10.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2 1.6% N/A
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 100 occupied housing units in Chester, 87% are owner-occupied, while 13% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
100
-14.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13
Owner occupied
87
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13 13% -43.5%
Owner occupied 87 87% -7.5%
Unoccupied housing units
21.3%
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

Median housing costs per month
$868/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.

Education in Chester

Chester education at a glance

About 59.1% of the population in Chester went to high school, while 14.6% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 15.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 81 59.1% -4.7%
College diploma 20 14.6% -16.7%
Associate degree 9 6.6% -47.1%
Bachelor's degree 21 15.3% -43.2%
Graduate degree 6 4.4% -40.0%
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 $73,741 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -11.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,333, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chester
$73,741/year
-11.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chester
$68,333/year
1.4% 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 $69,667. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $97,000 overall. Overall, 100% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $69,667 -22.1%
45 - 64 $97,000 4.3%
Over 65 $46,875 -24.0%
Above poverty level
152
Below poverty level
0
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 152 100% -28.3%

Employment in Chester

Workforce and job types in Chester

The job market in Chester is powered by 77 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 59.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 2.6% run their own businesses, 81.8% are employed by private companies, and 6.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
77
-32.5% year-over-year change
White collar
46
Blue collar
31
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 46 59.7% -33.3%
Blue collar 31 40.3% -31.1%
Employer type
Self employees
2.6%
Private companies
81.8%
Governmental workers
6.5%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2 2.6% 0.0%
Private companies 63 81.8% -33.0%
Governmental workers 5 6.5% -28.6%
Not for profit companies 7 9.1% -36.4%
Unemployment rate
7.2%
-14.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chester stands at 7.2%, 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

In Chester, the average commute time is 23 minutes.

Commute time
23 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 74 96.1% -32.7%
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
57016 676 297 $95,815 $101,164

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chester demographics 

What is the total population of Chester?

Chester has a total population of 152 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 -29.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chester?

The gender ratio in Chester is as follows:
  • 57.2% males (87 residents)
  • 42.8% females (65 residents)

What is the median age in Chester?

The median age in Chester is 62.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chester?

The age distribution in Chester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.6% (10 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.2% (11 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.1% (29 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.6% (42 residents)
  • Over 65: 39.5% (60 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chester is as follows:
  • White: 89.5% (136 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (8 residents)
  • Other: 5.3% (8 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Chester.

How many housing units are there in Chester?

There are 127 housing units in Chester, reflecting a -4.5% 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 100 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chester?

Chester has a median household income of $68,333, representing a +1.4% 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 92.8% in Chester, with a workforce of 77 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 59.7% (46 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40.3% (31 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 2.6% (2 residents)
  • Private companies: 81.8% (63 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 6.5% (5 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (7 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