Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chester, PA
Considering Chester, PA for your next move? This historic riverside city of 32,605 offers some of the most affordable housing in the region, with a median home price around $68,000 and average rents of $1,025. Cost of living here is notably lower than national averages, but crime rates are higher than average. Commute times are moderate at about 28 minutes, and the city is home to Widener University and Crozer-Chester Medical Center. Expect four distinct seasons, a diverse community, and easy access to Philadelphia for work, culture, or recreation.
Demographics - Chester, PA
Demographics - Chester, PA
Chester, PA is a vibrant city of 32,605 residents with a youthful median age of 33.1 and a dense urban feel. The community is predominantly Black, making up over 70% of the population, and about 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diversity, along with a nearly balanced gender ratio, creates a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
32,605
Density:
6,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.1
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
15.7%
Black:
72.2%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
11.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chester, PA?
Living in Chester is highly affordable, with a median home value of $68,000 and average rent at $1,025, well below national averages. The cost of living index is 92.7, indicating lower expenses on housing and groceries, though utilities are slightly above average. Residents also benefit from Pennsylvania’s flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
Median House Value:
$68,000
Gross Rent:
$1,025
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.7
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
56.0
Utilities:
109.5
Transportation:
101.2
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
94.3
Crime
Is Chester, PA a safe place to live?
Chester experiences higher crime rates than many U.S. cities, with a violent crime rate of 1,383 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,988 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is approximately 1 in 72, so new residents should consider personal and neighborhood safety when choosing where to live. Community initiatives and awareness can help foster a safer environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,383
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,988
Crime Index:
4,371
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 72
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Chester, PA year-round?
Chester enjoys four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers reaching up to 86°F and chilly winters dipping to 27°F. The city sees about 45 inches of rainfall annually and around 56% of days are sunny, offering a good balance of weather for outdoor activities. Residents can expect comfortable springs and falls, making it suitable for year-round living.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The local economy is modest, with a median household income of $35,500 and a poverty rate of 31.2%. Most residents commute about 28 minutes to work, and public transportation is used by over 14% of the population. Educational attainment is mixed, with 72.5% holding a high school diploma or higher, but only 10% possessing a bachelor’s degree or more.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$35,500
Family Income:
$39,200
Per Capita Income:
$18,900
Income Male:
$29,400
Income Female:
$27,800
Poverty Rate:
31.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.9%
Rent:
$1,025
Unemployment Rate:
12.6%
Public Transport Usage:
14.3%
Commute Time:
27.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
72.5%
Bachelors or More:
10.1%
Education
How are the schools in Chester, PA?
Education options in Chester include public schools like Chester High School and the STEM Academy at Showalter, both with favorable student-teacher ratios around 14:1. Widener University, located in the city, offers higher education opportunities to over 6,600 students, and private and charter options are also available. Families and students benefit from a variety of local and nearby educational resources.
Public Schools
Name:
Chester High School
Street:
200 W 9th St
Phone:
610-447-3700
Students:
1,024
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
STEM Academy at Showalter
Street:
1100 W 10th St
Phone:
610-447-3650
Students:
590
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Private Schools
Name:
Widener Partnership Charter School
Street:
1450 Edgmont Ave
Phone:
610-499-1352
Students:
430
Colleges
Name:
Widener University
City:
Chester
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
6,600
Name:
Delaware County Community College
City:
Media
State:
PA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
9,500
Healthcare
Chester provides reliable healthcare access, anchored by Crozer-Chester Medical Center, a full-service hospital with emergency care. With 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, most residents have access to essential medical services. The city’s healthcare index suggests quality care is readily available to the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Crozer-Chester Medical Center
Address:
One Medical Center Blvd, Chester, PA 19013
Phone:
(610) 447-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chester, PA?
Chester’s housing market is highly affordable, with a median home price of $68,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,025. Owner occupancy is low at 36.8%, and the rental market is active, with a vacancy rate of 11.5%. Home values have appreciated by about 5.2% over the past year, making it an attractive market for first-time buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$68,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,025
Owner Occupied Rate:
36.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.2%
DMV Information
Chester residents handle vehicle and licensing matters through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), located nearby in Collingdale. The DMV provides comprehensive driver, vehicle, and registration services, with information accessible through their official website and customer service line. Services are streamlined for convenience and efficiency.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address:
1101 MacDade Blvd, Collingdale, PA 19023
Phone:
1-717-412-5300
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.