South Carolina / Chester County

Moving to Chester, SC

Thinking of making a move to Chester, SC? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chester, SC

Considering a move to Chester, SC? This welcoming community of 5,269 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $104,000 and average rents near $780. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (62% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Chester's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Chester, SC

Chester has a population of 5,269 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 32% White, 65% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 4% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in Chester is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 77.8. Median home values are around $104,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $780. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,220 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 24. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in South Carolina.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 91°F and cold winters dipping to 32°F. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
32°F
Max
54°F

Summer

Min
69°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
45°F
Max
75°F

Fall

Min
48°F
Max
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $29,600 and a low poverty rate of 33.4%. Over 76% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 11% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Chester Park Elementary School of the Arts and Chester High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including York Technical College (Chester Center) and Winthrop University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Chester residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MUSC Health Chester Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.1 per 1,000 people and 90.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $104,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 57%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 10.2%. Chester offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Chester handle vehicle services through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Chester. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
South Carolina
Department
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
1037 J A Cochran Bypass, Chester, SC 29706
Phone
1-803-581-0209

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.

FAQs About Moving to Chester, SC

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Chester, review the core fields on this page: population 5,269, median home value $104,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $780, commute time 28.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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