Chester borough, New Jersey Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Chester borough, New Jersey has a total population of 1,359, the 522nd largest city in New Jersey, with a median household income of $152,578, which is 51% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.5%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 51% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in New Jersey.
Chester borough Quick Facts
How Chester borough 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: 65 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chester borough Rankings in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey Rankings
Other Cities in Morris County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morristown town | 20,256 | $115,409 | 9.2% | $552,800 |
| Dover town | 18,420 | $70,519 | 11.6% | $347,100 |
| Madison borough | 16,464 | $168,469 | 2.8% | $882,900 |
| Florham Park borough | 13,134 | $147,714 | 7.8% | $722,700 |
| Lincoln Park borough | 10,901 | $119,000 | 3.4% | $419,500 |
| Kinnelon borough | 9,971 | $178,102 | 2.0% | $682,600 |
| Chatham borough | 9,219 | $250,001 | 2.5% | $944,300 |
| Boonton town | 8,803 | $100,417 | 7.5% | $475,300 |
| Butler borough | 8,072 | $110,375 | 9.3% | $425,900 |
| Wharton borough | 7,254 | $92,548 | 18.8% | $348,100 |
Cities Similar to Chester borough
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kean University CDP | 1,359 | N/A | N/A | 87.5% | N/A |
| Beesleys Point CDP | 1,476 | N/A | $299,800 | 58.3% | 1.4% |
| Springfield CDP | 1,338 | $177,045 | $580,900 | 66.3% | 0.6% |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey CDP | 1,240 | N/A | N/A | 73.9% | N/A |
| Avalon borough | 1,478 | $143,482 | $1,756,100 | 69.7% | 3.7% |
Population Overview
Chester borough is a small community located in New Jersey, within Morris County. The total population is 1,359. It ranks as the 522nd most populous out of 700 cities and towns in New Jersey.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chester borough is 43.6 years. This is 9% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 10.3% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Chester borough is $152,578. This is 51% higher than the state median of $101,050. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 94% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%. This is 23% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.8%. The unemployment rate is 3.8%. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 6.2%. The median home value is $640,400. Housing costs are 50% higher than the state median of $427,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x. 76.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 20% higher than the state average of 63.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Chester borough is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.2% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 9.4%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (81.2% vs 51.9%). The Black or African American population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 12.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (9.4%) is well below the state average of 21.9%. The Asian population (2.7%) is well below the state average of 9.8%.
Education
61.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 42% higher than the state rate of 42.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.4%. Notably, 23.2% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chester borough, New Jersey 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 New Jersey state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 700 Census-designated places in New Jersey. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chester borough, New Jersey?
Chester borough, New Jersey has a population of 1,359 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chester borough, NJ?
The median household income in Chester borough is $152,578, which is 94% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Chester borough, NJ?
The poverty rate in Chester borough is 7.5%. This means approximately 102 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chester borough, New Jersey?
Chester borough's population is 81.2% White, 1.3% Black, 9.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chester borough, NJ?
The median home value in Chester borough is $640,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
How educated is Chester borough, New Jersey?
61.1% of adults (25+) in Chester borough hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 23.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.