Chester city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Chester city, Iowa has a total population of 141, the 778th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $57,500, which is 21% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x.
Chester city Quick Facts
How Chester city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chester city Rankings in Iowa
Explore Iowa Rankings
Cities Similar to Chester city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melrose city | 139 | $56,250 | N/A | 4.1% | 27.3% |
| Lucas city | 137 | N/A | $34,200 | 4.0% | 23.4% |
| Prairieburg city | 140 | $61,250 | $98,500 | 14.9% | 8.0% |
| Haverhill city | 144 | $59,583 | $116,500 | 21.9% | 11.9% |
| Kinross city | 140 | $63,750 | $55,500 | 1.2% | 11.8% |
Population Overview
Chester city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 141. It ranks as the 778th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chester city is 39.5 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 38.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Chester city is $57,500. This is 21% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 27% lower. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%. This is 23% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.7%. This is 25% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $101,800. Housing costs are 48% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x, Chester city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 84.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Chester city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 99.3% of all residents.
Education
12.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 60% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chester city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chester city, Iowa?
Chester city, Iowa has a population of 141 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chester city, IA?
The median household income in Chester city is $57,500, which is 27% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Chester city, IA?
The poverty rate in Chester city is 8.5%. This means approximately 12 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chester city, Iowa?
Chester city's population is 99.3% White, 0.0% Black, 0.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chester city, IA?
The median home value in Chester city is $101,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x.
How educated is Chester city, Iowa?
12.2% of adults (25+) in Chester city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.