Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chester, SC
Considering a move to Chester, SC? With a close-knit population of 5,269, Chester offers affordable housing with a median home price of $104,000 and average rents around $780. The city features a warm climate with 62% sunny days, but crime rates are higher than average. Commute times are moderate at about 28 minutes, and local schools and healthcare options are accessible. Chester's low cost of living and small-town feel make it a good option for those seeking value and community.
Demographics - Chester, SC
Demographics - Chester, SC
Chester, SC is a small city of 5,269 residents, with a population density of 1,070 people per square mile and a median age of nearly 40. The community is predominantly Black (64.5%) and White (32.3%), and has a slightly higher proportion of females to males. Non-English speakers make up a small portion of the population, contributing to the city's close-knit and diverse atmosphere.
Population:
5,269
Density:
1,070 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
32.3%
Black:
64.5%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chester, SC?
Chester offers a very affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $104,000 and average rents around $780 per month. Utility and grocery costs are generally near or just below the national average, making everyday expenses manageable. The overall cost of living index is 77.8, which means your dollar goes further compared to much of the U.S.
Median House Value:
$104,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
7%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.8
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
39.6
Utilities:
102.4
Transportation:
80.7
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
95.2
Crime
Is Chester, SC a safe place to live?
Chester experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with residents facing a 1 in 82 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 24 chance of property crime. The city's crime index reflects this challenge, so new residents may want to consider neighborhood safety when choosing a place to live. Despite this, many residents appreciate the strong sense of community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,150
Crime Index:
5,370
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 82
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Chester, SC year-round?
Chester enjoys a mild climate, with warm, humid summers reaching highs around 91°F and winters that rarely dip below 32°F. The city averages 45 inches of rainfall and enjoys sunny weather about 62% of the year, making outdoor activities appealing for much of the year. Seasonal changes are noticeable but generally moderate.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Chester's residents have a median household income of $29,600, and about a third of the population lives below the poverty line. The community has a high school graduation rate of over 76%, with just under 11% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average around 28 minutes, and public transportation is rarely used.
Median Income:
$26,200
Household Income:
$29,600
Family Income:
$38,400
Per Capita Income:
$16,900
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$23,300
Poverty Rate:
33.4%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
28.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.2%
Bachelors or More:
10.8%
Education
How are the schools in Chester, SC?
Chester provides educational opportunities through both public and private schools, with Chester High School and Chester Park Elementary among the key institutions. Higher education is easily accessible, with York Technical College's Chester Center located just 2 miles from downtown and Winthrop University nearby in Rock Hill. Student-to-teacher ratios are in the mid-teens, supporting personalized instruction.
Public Schools
Name:
Chester Park Elementary School of the Arts
Street:
835 Lancaster Hwy
Phone:
803-581-7279
Students:
415
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Name:
Chester High School
Street:
1330 J A Cochran Bypass
Phone:
803-377-3161
Students:
810
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Chester Christian School
Street:
1578 J A Cochran Bypass
Phone:
803-377-7091
Students:
140
Colleges
Name:
York Technical College (Chester Center)
City:
Chester
State:
SC
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
900
Name:
Winthrop University
City:
Rock Hill
State:
SC
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
5,180
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chester is anchored by MUSC Health Chester Medical Center, providing general and emergency services to the community. With 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, basic health needs are well served locally. The city's healthcare index indicates room for improvement, but essential services remain accessible.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MUSC Health Chester Medical Center
Address:
1 Medical Park Dr, Chester, SC 29706
Phone:
(803) 581-9400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.7%
Health Care Index:
64.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chester, SC?
The Chester housing market is very affordable, with a median home price of $104,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $780. Over half of residents own their homes, and the area sees a modest home appreciation rate of 4.2% annually. Rental vacancies are slightly higher than average, offering various options for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$104,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Chester's vehicle and licensing needs are managed by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on J A Cochran Bypass. The local DMV provides standard services such as driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and title transfers. Residents can find more information and access online services through the official South Carolina DMV website.
State:
South Carolina
Department:
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1037 J A Cochran Bypass, Chester, SC 29706
Phone:
1-803-581-0209
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.