Chester, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,179
-5.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,607/yr
-11.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,251
-6.1% year-over-year change

Chester population

How many people live in Chester

Chester is home to 2,179 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 40.2% of Chester locals are male, and 59.8% are female.

Total population
2,179
-5.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
40.2%
877
Female
59.8%
1,302
Value Percent YoY change
Male 877 40.2% -13.7%
Female 1,302 59.8% 1.2%
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 53, with the population distributed as follows: about 14% are children under 15, then 4.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.2% of the population, while another 32.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 30% are 65 or older.

Median age
52.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
14%
15 to 24
4.1%
25 to 44
19.2%
45 to 64
32.7%
Over 65
30%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 305 14% -7.0%
15 to 24 90 4.1% 50.0%
25 to 44 418 19.2% -1.2%
45 to 64 713 32.7% 0.0%
Over 65 653 30% -16.1%
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

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,179 100% -5.3%
Racial breakdown
White
95.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
3.8%
Two or more races
0%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,078 95.4%
Asian 16 0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 84 3.8%
Two or more races 1 0%

Households in Chester

A peek inside Chester households

Chester has 1,135 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.6% are families, while the remaining 40.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,135
-4.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
459
Family households
676
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 459 40.4% 0.2%
Family households 676 59.6% -7.4%
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 1,251 units, with 81.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 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 2.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,251
-6.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,015 81.1%
1 unit, attached 12 1%
2 units 29 2.3%
3 or 4 units 28 2.2%
5 to 9 units 21 1.7%
20 to 49 units 68 5.4%
50 or more units 42 3.4%
Mobile home 29 2.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 7 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chester

In Chester, the median construction year is 1950. About 40.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.9% 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 506 40.4% -12.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 111 8.9% 24.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 220 17.6% 10.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 134 10.7% 3.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 70 5.6% -37.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9 0.7% -67.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 173 13.8% -1.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 21 1.7% 162.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 7 0.6% -12.5%
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 1,135 occupied housing units in Chester, 75.4% are owner-occupied, while 24.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,135
-4.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
279
Owner occupied
856
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 279 24.6% 26.2%
Owner occupied 856 75.4% -11.5%
Unoccupied housing units
9.3%
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

Housing costs in Chester come to a median of $698 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $647.

Median housing costs per month
$698/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
$647/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 48.9% of the population in Chester went to high school, while 19.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.9% earned an associate degree and 20% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 49 2.6% -39.5%
High school diploma 905 48.9% 14.8%
College diploma 369 19.9% 12.2%
Associate degree 127 6.9% -50.8%
Bachelor's degree 370 20% -21.4%
Graduate degree 31 1.7% 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

How much people earn in Chester

The average annual household income in Chester was $63,565 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -9.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,607, reflecting a -11.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chester
$63,565/year
-9.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chester
$56,607/year
-11.2% 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 $34,107. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,614 overall. Overall, 84.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $34,107 -31.5%
45 - 64 $62,614 -16.9%
Over 65 $61,842 -7.8%
Above poverty level
1,839
Below poverty level
340
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,839 84.4% -11.1%
Below poverty level 340 15.6% 45.9%

Average renter income in Chester

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chester, their median household income was $28,173 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.6%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$28,173
Rent-to-income ratio
27.6%
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 855 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
855
-3.7% year-over-year change
White collar
569
Blue collar
286
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 569 66.6% -11.8%
Blue collar 286 33.4% 17.7%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
83.4%
Governmental workers
9%
Not for profit companies
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 713 83.4% 5.3%
Governmental workers 77 9% -55.2%
Not for profit companies 65 7.6% 261.1%
Unemployment rate
13.7%
14.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chester stands at 13.7%, 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: 88.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% 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 754 88.2% -10.0%
Walk 27 3.2% 200.0%
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
26034 4,664 2,217 $56,556 $65,935

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FAQs about Chester demographics 

What is the total population of Chester?

Chester has a total population of 2,179 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 -5.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chester?

The gender ratio in Chester is as follows:
  • 40.2% males (877 residents)
  • 59.8% females (1,302 residents)

What is the median age in Chester?

The median age in Chester is 52.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chester?

The age distribution in Chester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14% (305 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 4.1% (90 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.2% (418 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.7% (713 residents)
  • Over 65: 30% (653 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chester is as follows:
  • White: 95.4% (2,078 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (16 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 3.8% (84 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 0% (1 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 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 1,251 housing units in Chester, reflecting a -6.1% 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 1,135 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chester?

Chester has a median household income of $56,607, representing a -11.2% 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 86.3% in Chester, with a workforce of 855 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.6% (569 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.4% (286 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 83.4% (713 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9% (77 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.6% (65 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