Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chester, IL
Considering a move to Chester, IL? With a close-knit population of 7,640, Chester offers affordable living—median home prices are just $94,500 and average rents around $690. Residents enjoy an easy 17-minute average commute, low violent crime (178 per 100K), and plenty of sunshine at 60% sunny days per year. The city features good public schools and a general hospital, making it great for families seeking small-town comfort and value.
Demographics - Chester, IL
Demographics - Chester, IL
Chester, IL is a small, close-knit city of 7,640 residents, with a population density of about 1,200 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a median age of 41.8, and a slightly higher number of males than females, offering a friendly, stable environment for families and individuals alike.
Population:
7,640
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.8
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.6%
Black:
7.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chester, IL?
Chester boasts a low cost of living, with a median home value of just $94,500 and average rent around $690, making it an affordable choice for homebuyers and renters. The overall cost of living index is 81.2, well below the national average, and essentials like groceries and utilities are also budget-friendly.
Median House Value:
$94,500
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.2
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
52.4
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Chester, IL a safe place to live?
Residents of Chester benefit from a low violent crime rate of 178 incidents per 100,000 people, and a modest property crime rate, providing a sense of safety and peace of mind. The chances of experiencing violent crime are about 1 in 561, making the community appealing for those prioritizing security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
178
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,460
Crime Index:
1,638
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 561
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Chester, IL year-round?
Chester experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 88°F and mild winters with lows around 23°F. The area enjoys 60% sunny days and receives about 44.5 inches of rainfall annually, perfect for those who appreciate varied yet comfortable weather.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Chester residents have a median household income of $51,200 and a family income of $62,500, supporting a modest, comfortable lifestyle. The community enjoys short average commute times of about 17 minutes, while most residents have completed high school and a small percentage hold college degrees.
Median Income:
$39,700
Household Income:
$51,200
Family Income:
$62,500
Per Capita Income:
$23,900
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$31,800
Poverty Rate:
17.6%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
17.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.4%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Chester, IL?
Families in Chester have access to quality public education, with Chester High School and Grade School offering favorable student-teacher ratios. For private education, St. John Lutheran School serves local students, while those seeking higher education can attend Southwestern Illinois College just 17 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Chester High School
Street:
1901 Swanwick St
Phone:
618-826-2302
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Chester Grade School
Street:
1901 Swanwick St
Phone:
618-826-2354
Students:
560
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1

Private Schools
Name:
St. John Lutheran School
Street:
604 E Holmes St
Phone:
618-826-4345
Students:
85

Colleges
Name:
Southwestern Illinois College
City:
Red Bud
State:
IL
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
4,100
Healthcare
Chester is served by Memorial Hospital of Chester, a general and surgical facility with emergency services, ensuring local access to essential healthcare. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, residents benefit from reliable medical care close to home.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Memorial Hospital of Chester
Address:
1900 State St, Chester, IL 62233
Phone:
(618) 826-4581
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.2%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chester, IL?
The housing market in Chester is very affordable, with a median home price of $94,500 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $690. A high owner-occupancy rate of 68.3% and steady home appreciation make it an attractive place for both buyers and long-term residents.
Median Home Price:
$94,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Chester residents can conveniently access vehicle and licensing services at the local Illinois Secretary of State DMV office, located on Pine Lake Rd. The office provides a full range of services for drivers and vehicle owners, supported by the statewide DMV website for additional information.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - DMV
Address:
1708 Pine Lake Rd, Chester, IL 62233
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.