West Chester, Pennsylvania Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Chester, Pennsylvania had a total population of 20,666, the 33rd largest borough in Pennsylvania, with a median household income of $78,385, which is about the same as the state average. The poverty rate is 20.4%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- 59.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Pennsylvania.
West Chester Quick Facts
How West 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 | 19,235 | 20,666 | +7.4% |
| Median household income | $81,492 | $78,385 | -3.8% |
| Median home value | $481,300 | $490,700 | +2.0% |
How West 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 45 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Chester Rankings in Pennsylvania
Explore Pennsylvania Rankings
Other Cities in Chester County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenixville | 19,452 | $102,138 | 8.2% | $369,600 |
| Coatesville | 13,353 | $59,256 | 18.1% | $194,000 |
| Downingtown | 8,255 | $96,228 | 5.6% | $353,800 |
| Lionville | 7,683 | $100,582 | 4.5% | $438,700 |
| Exton | 6,772 | $120,697 | 3.2% | $554,200 |
| Paoli | 6,362 | $138,396 | 3.8% | $481,200 |
| Kennett Square | 6,243 | $80,505 | 5.3% | $402,700 |
| Chesterbrook | 5,839 | $124,295 | 7.5% | $453,400 |
| Oxford | 5,825 | $67,733 | 23.7% | $313,800 |
| Parkesburg | 3,937 | $76,250 | 17.4% | $305,900 |
Cities Similar to West Chester
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin | 21,057 | $80,983 | $208,400 | 33.3% | 9.5% |
| West Mifflin | 19,190 | $76,563 | $151,600 | 24.6% | 11.2% |
| Lansdale | 19,011 | $88,229 | $343,800 | 39.8% | 11.3% |
| Colonial Park | 18,032 | $73,105 | $231,100 | 24.6% | 9.9% |
| Carlisle | 21,852 | $61,720 | $224,100 | 37.9% | 15.1% |
Population Overview
West Chester is a small city located in Pennsylvania, within Chester County. The total population is 20,666. It ranks as the 33rd most populous out of 1,991 Census-designated places in Pennsylvania.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Chester is 25.3 years. This is 38% lower than the state median of 40.9 years. Only 9.0% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in West Chester is $78,385. This is about the same as the state median of $77,971. It is also 3% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 20.4%. This is 75% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.7%. 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 7.0%. This is 34% higher than the state rate of 5.3%. The median home value is $490,700. Housing costs are 93% higher than the state median of $254,500. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 35.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 49% lower than the state average of 69.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in West Chester is White (non-Hispanic), making up 72.8% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 13.5%.
Education
59.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places West Chester in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 68% higher than the state rate of 35.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.5%. Notably, 22.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Chester, Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,991 Census-designated places in Pennsylvania. 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 West Chester, Pennsylvania?
West Chester, Pennsylvania has a population of 20,666 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Chester, PA?
The median household income in West Chester is $78,385, which is 3% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Chester, PA?
The poverty rate in West Chester is 20.4%. This means approximately 3,190 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Chester, Pennsylvania?
West Chester's population is 72.8% White, 13.5% Black, 8.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Chester, PA?
The median home value in West Chester is $490,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x.
How educated is West Chester, Pennsylvania?
59.1% of adults (25+) in West Chester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 22.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.