Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chester, MD
Thinking of moving to Chester, MD? With a close-knit population of about 5,200, Chester offers a peaceful lifestyle on Maryland’s scenic Eastern Shore. The median home price is $415,000 and typical rents run around $1,575, reflecting a moderate cost of living. Residents enjoy low crime rates, a strong owner-occupied housing market, and easy access to quality schools and healthcare. Commute times average 33 minutes, while the area’s mild climate and abundant sunny days make outdoor living a highlight of life in Chester.
Demographics - Chester, MD
Demographics - Chester, MD
Chester, MD is home to about 5,200 residents, with a median age of 48.2, creating a community that blends families and retirees. The population is predominantly White, with a small but present mix of other ethnic groups and about 4.5% speaking languages other than English at home. Its moderate population density provides a relaxed, small-town feel.
Population:
5,200
Density:
750 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.5%
Black:
6.1%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
3.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chester, MD?
Chester’s cost of living is moderately above the national average, with a median home value of $415,000 and typical monthly rents around $1,575. Housing is the largest expense, but groceries, healthcare, and utilities are only slightly higher than average, while state income tax rates range from 2% to 5.75%. Residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle balanced by competitive housing costs.
Median House Value:
$415,000
Gross Rent:
$1,575
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,040
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$635
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.0
Grocery:
108.0
Housing:
121.0
Utilities:
102.0
Transportation:
111.0
Health Care:
107.0
Miscellaneous:
104.0
Crime
Is Chester, MD a safe place to live?
Chester enjoys low crime rates compared to national figures, with just 124 violent crimes and 1,120 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. Residents have a 1 in 806 chance of experiencing violent crime, helping foster a strong sense of safety in the community. This makes Chester an attractive choice for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
124
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,244
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 806
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Chester, MD year-round?
Chester experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters averaging lows around 28°F and pleasant summers reaching highs near 87°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 57% sunny days, creating ample opportunities for enjoying Maryland’s natural beauty. This comfortable climate supports an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Residents of Chester tend to be well-educated and financially stable, with a median household income of $97,400 and a poverty rate below 7%. Most neighbors commute about 33 minutes to work, and over 94% have at least a high school diploma. The area’s low unemployment and strong family incomes make for a welcoming and prosperous community.
Median Income:
$48,700
Household Income:
$97,400
Family Income:
$110,000
Per Capita Income:
$51,900
Income Male:
$57,200
Income Female:
$43,500
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.0%
Rent:
$1,575
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
33.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.5%
Bachelors or More:
39.2%
Education
How are the schools in Chester, MD?
Chester provides access to reputable public schools, such as Kent Island High School and Matapeake Elementary, with favorable student-teacher ratios. Private options and nearby colleges, including Chesapeake College and Anne Arundel Community College within a short drive, support lifelong learning. The majority of residents hold at least a high school diploma, reflecting the area’s commitment to education.
Public Schools
Name:
Kent Island High School
Street:
900 Love Point Rd
Phone:
410-604-2070
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
Matapeake Elementary School
Street:
651 Romancoke Rd
Phone:
410-643-3105
Students:
640
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Kent School
Street:
6788 Wilkins Ln, Chestertown
Phone:
410-778-4100
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
Chesapeake College
City:
Wye Mills
State:
MD
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
Anne Arundel Community College
City:
Arnold
State:
MD
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Chester offers convenient access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center and Anne Arundel Medical Center nearby. The area has a high rate of health insurance coverage (94.2%) and 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents. Residents benefit from strong local healthcare resources and emergency services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton
Address:
219 S Washington St, Easton, MD 21601
Phone:
(410) 822-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Anne Arundel Medical Center
Address:
2001 Medical Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone:
(443) 481-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.2%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chester, MD?
Chester’s housing market is robust, featuring a median home price of $415,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 77%. The area has a healthy mix of homeownership and rentals, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,575 and a low foreclosure rate of 0.4%. Home values have appreciated by over 5% in the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$415,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,575
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of Chester are served by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, with the nearest major office located in Glen Burnie. The DMV offers a full range of licensing and vehicle registration services both in-person and online. Access to the state DMV is straightforward for new and current residents alike.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone:
1-410-768-7000
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.