Chester, Georgia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Chester, Georgia had a total population of 1,808, the 314th largest town in Georgia, with a median household income of $56,048, which is 28% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 38.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (38.4%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 5.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x.
Chester Quick Facts
How Chester Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,708 | 1,808 | +5.9% |
| Median household income | $47,500 | $56,048 | +18.0% |
| Median home value | $78,300 | $82,500 | +5.4% |
How Chester Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chester Rankings in Georgia
Explore Georgia Rankings
Other Cities in Dodge County
Cities Similar to Chester
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sparta | 1,830 | N/A | $56,400 | 6.6% | 47.0% |
| Oxford | 1,770 | $56,563 | $208,000 | 26.6% | 12.1% |
| Ludowici | 1,897 | N/A | $238,600 | 12.4% | 32.8% |
| Berry College | 1,647 | N/A | N/A | 77.5% | 0.0% |
| Moody AFB | 1,630 | N/A | N/A | 22.8% | 44.9% |
Population Overview
Chester is a small community located in Georgia, within Dodge County. The total population is 1,808. It ranks as the 314th most populous out of 669 Census-designated places in Georgia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chester is 35.4 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 37.6 years. Only 7.6% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Chester is $56,048. This is 28% lower than the state median of $77,353. It is also 31% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 38.4%. This is 186% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.4%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 3.4%. This is 34% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $82,500. Housing costs are 73% lower than the state median of $303,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x, Chester is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 59.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% lower than the state average of 65.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Chester is Black or African American, making up 50.6% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 38.4%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (50.6% vs 30.7%).
Education
5.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 85% lower than the state rate of 34.9%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 75.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chester, Georgia is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Georgia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 669 Census-designated places in Georgia. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chester, Georgia?
Chester, Georgia has a population of 1,808 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chester, GA?
The median household income in Chester is $56,048, which is 31% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Chester, GA?
The poverty rate in Chester is 38.4%. This means approximately 237 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chester, Georgia?
Chester's population is 38.4% White, 50.6% Black, 8.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chester, GA?
The median home value in Chester is $82,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x.
How educated is Chester, Georgia?
5.3% of adults (25+) in Chester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 0.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.