Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chester, VA
Considering a move to Chester, VA? This welcoming community of 23,414 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $314,500 and average rents at $1,380. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, low violent crime rates (170 per 100K), and quick commutes averaging 28 minutes. With strong public schools, sunny weather (62% sunny days), and access to excellent healthcare, Chester is a great choice for families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle near Richmond.
Demographics - Chester, VA
Demographics - Chester, VA
Chester, VA is home to about 23,400 residents, with a balanced age distribution and a median age of nearly 40. The population is predominantly White at 63%, with Black residents making up about 24%, and nearly 10% of locals speak a language other than English. With a moderate population density and a slightly higher number of females than males, Chester offers a diverse suburban community.
Population:
23,414
Density:
1,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
63.4%
Black:
23.8%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
10.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chester, VA?
Chester offers a relatively affordable cost of living, with a median home value of approximately $314,500 and average rents around $1,380. The cost of living index is just below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking value in housing and daily expenses. Utilities are slightly above average, but grocery and healthcare costs remain competitive for the region.
Median House Value:
$314,500
Gross Rent:
$1,380
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,690
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$555
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.0
Grocery:
96.2
Housing:
88.7
Utilities:
103.5
Transportation:
97.2
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Chester, VA a safe place to live?
Chester enjoys a low violent crime rate of 170 incidents per 100,000 residents, providing a sense of security for newcomers. Property crime is more common, with a chance of 1 in 66, but overall the community maintains a crime index that is manageable for a suburb of its size. Residents generally find Chester to be a safe and welcoming place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
170
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,520
Crime Index:
1,690
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 588
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in Chester, VA year-round?
Chester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and mild winters with lows around 29°F. The area receives about 44.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 62% of the year. This climate provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the seasons.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
73°F

Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Chester benefit from a strong local economy, with a median household income close to $89,000 and a low poverty rate of 6.9%. The majority of adults have at least a high school diploma, and nearly a third hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average about 28 minutes, and the community maintains a low unemployment rate, making it appealing for working professionals and families.
Median Income:
$46,250
Household Income:
$88,900
Family Income:
$98,500
Per Capita Income:
$37,800
Income Male:
$51,000
Income Female:
$42,500
Poverty Rate:
6.9%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$1,380
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
28.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
32.8%
Education
How are the schools in Chester, VA?
Chester boasts strong educational opportunities, with public schools like Thomas Dale High and Elizabeth Scott Elementary serving the community with favorable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is easily accessible, with John Tyler Community College just 2 miles away and Virginia State University within a short drive. The presence of both public and private schools ensures families have a range of options for their children's education.

Public Schools
Name:
Thomas Dale High School
Street:
3626 W. Hundred Rd
Phone:
804-768-6245
Students:
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Elizabeth Scott Elementary
Street:
813 Beginner Dr
Phone:
804-768-6195
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2

Private Schools
Name:
St. Ann’s Catholic School
Street:
10831 W. Hundred Rd
Phone:
804-526-2546
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
John Tyler Community College
City:
Chester
State:
VA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
9,000
Name:
Virginia State University
City:
Petersburg
State:
VA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
4,300
Healthcare
Chester is well-served by nearby hospitals such as Johnston-Willis and Chippenham, both offering emergency and general care services. With about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, residents have reliable access to healthcare. The area’s healthcare index indicates quality medical services are readily available.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Johnston-Willis Hospital
Address:
1401 Johnston Willis Dr, Richmond, VA 23235
Phone:
(804) 330-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Chippenham Hospital
Address:
7101 Jahnke Rd, Richmond, VA 23225
Phone:
(804) 320-3911
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chester, VA?
The housing market in Chester is stable, featuring a median home price of $314,500 and an average rent of $1,380 for a two-bedroom unit. Owner occupancy is high at 74.5%, reflecting a community with many long-term residents, and the area has seen a healthy home appreciation rate of nearly 5% in the past year. Rental vacancies remain moderate, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$314,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,380
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.9%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Chester residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Richmond. The DMV offers comprehensive online resources and in-person support, making it convenient for new arrivals to manage their driving and registration needs. For more information, the official website provides up-to-date details and contact information.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2300 W. Broad St, Richmond, VA 23269
Phone:
804-497-7100
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.