Chester County, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,611
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,341/yr
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,279
0.4% year-over-year change

Chester County population

How many people live in Chester County

Chester County is home to 17,611 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Chester County locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
17,611
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
8,456
Female
52%
9,155
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,456 48% 0.1%
Female 9,155 52% 1.7%
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 County is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 16.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.8% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
16.1%
25 to 44
23.8%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
18.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,175 18% 1.3%
15 to 24 2,829 16.1% -3.0%
25 to 44 4,195 23.8% 2.3%
45 to 64 4,178 23.7% -0.8%
Over 65 3,234 18.4% 4.7%
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 County, 97.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 84.8% of locals are Caucasian, 9.5% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
0.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 17,211 97.7% 1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 279 1.6% -19.4%
Non-citizens 121 0.7% 19.8%
Racial breakdown
White
84.8%
Black or African American
9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.8%
Other
1.7%
Value Percent
White 14,928 84.8%
Black or African American 1,667 9.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 29 0.2%
Asian 29 0.2%
Two or more races 662 3.8%
Other 296 1.7%

Households in Chester County

A peek inside Chester County households

Chester County has 6,430 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.8% are families, while the remaining 31.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,430
1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,005
Family households
4,425
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,005 31.2% 5.3%
Family households 4,425 68.8% -0.1%
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 County

The housing landscape of Chester County

Chester County's housing consists of 7,279 units, with 79% 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 13.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,279
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,753 79%
1 unit, attached 41 0.6%
2 units 300 4.1%
3 or 4 units 57 0.8%
5 to 9 units 82 1.1%
10 to 19 units 29 0.4%
50 or more units 20 0.3%
Mobile home 955 13.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 42 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
120
207.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chester County

In Chester County, the median construction year is 1989. About 4.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 346 4.8% -10.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 318 4.4% -3.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 552 7.6% 10.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 449 6.2% -3.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 978 13.4% 4.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,112 15.3% 1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,392 19.1% -6.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,371 18.8% 2.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 641 8.8% -5.0%
Built in 2020 or later 120 1.6% 207.7%
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 6,430 occupied housing units in Chester County, 75.4% are owner-occupied, while 24.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,430
1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,580
Owner occupied
4,850
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,580 24.6% 6.8%
Owner occupied 4,850 75.4% -0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
11.7%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Chester County come to a median of $727 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $756.

Median housing costs per month
$727/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 County
$756/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 County

Chester County education at a glance

About 44.7% of the population in Chester County went to high school, while 28.2% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 12.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 295 2.1% -20.7%
High school diploma 6,171 44.7% -4.9%
College diploma 3,885 28.2% 2.8%
Associate degree 799 5.8% 9.3%
Bachelor's degree 1,713 12.4% 22.7%
Graduate degree 935 6.8% 3.3%
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 County

How much people earn in Chester County

The average annual household income in Chester County was $75,402 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,341, reflecting a -2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chester County
$75,402/year
4.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chester County
$59,341/year
-2.0% year-over-year change

Chester County income by age

In Chester County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $72,917. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,269 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,074, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $36,498 in earnings. Overall, 83.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,074 -1.1%
25 - 44 $72,917 18.2%
45 - 64 $74,269 -0.1%
Over 65 $36,498 -12.3%
Above poverty level
13,496
Below poverty level
2,586
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,496 83.9% 0.1%
Below poverty level 2,586 16.1% 5.2%

Employment in Chester County

Workforce and job types in Chester County

The job market in Chester County is powered by 7,293 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11% run their own businesses, 64.2% are employed by private companies, and 15.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,293
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
5,201
Blue collar
2,092
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,201 71.3% 10.5%
Blue collar 2,092 28.7% -10.8%
Employer type
Self employees
11%
Private companies
64.2%
Governmental workers
15.9%
Not for profit companies
8.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 801 11% 18.1%
Private companies 4,684 64.2% 1.2%
Governmental workers 1,158 15.9% 4.5%
Not for profit companies 650 8.9% 1.7%
Unemployment rate
4.1%
-21.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chester County stands at 4.1%, 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 County

How people get around in Chester County

Commuting methods vary: 88.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% 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 6,380 88.8% 2.4%
Railroad 6 0.1% N/A
Motorcycle 11 0.2% -54.2%
Bicycle 9 0.1% 12.5%
Walk 82 1.1% 15.5%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38313 3,288 1,253 $85,625 $118,976
38332 1,188 595 $0 $47,509
38334 2,004 635 $66,563 $83,394
38340 12,694 4,383 $63,700 $77,511
38347 257 87 $58,189 $50,875
38352 722 299 $36,976 $59,942
38366 2,336 959 $58,802 $80,065
38368 2,635 924 $65,441 $77,535

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FAQs about Chester County demographics 

What is the total population of Chester County?

Chester County has a total population of 17,611 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chester County?

The gender ratio in Chester County is as follows:
  • 48% males (8,456 residents)
  • 52% females (9,155 residents)

What is the median age in Chester County?

The median age in Chester County is 37.6.

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

The age distribution in Chester County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (3,175 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.1% (2,829 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.8% (4,195 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (4,178 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.4% (3,234 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chester County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chester County is as follows:
  • White: 84.8% (14,928 residents)
  • Black or African American: 9.5% (1,667 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (29 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (29 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.8% (662 residents)
  • Other: 1.7% (296 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.7% of the population in Chester County.

How many housing units are there in Chester County?

There are 7,279 housing units in Chester County, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chester County has a total of 6,430 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chester County?

Chester County has a median household income of $59,341, representing a -2.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.9% in Chester County, with a workforce of 7,293 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.3% (5,201 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.7% (2,092 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11% (801 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.2% (4,684 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.9% (1,158 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.9% (650 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