Chester city, South Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Chester city, South Carolina has a total population of 5,241, the 102nd largest city in South Carolina, with a median household income of $41,231, which is 38% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 25.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (25.0%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Unemployment rate of 11.6% is notably above the national average.
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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 54 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chester city Rankings in South Carolina
Explore South Carolina 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbeville city | 4,863 | $38,983 | $108,500 | 14.9% | 23.4% |
| Walterboro city | 5,490 | $48,366 | $170,500 | 19.8% | 30.6% |
| Barnwell city | 4,616 | $43,239 | $137,300 | 18.1% | 33.1% |
| Central town | 5,299 | $58,262 | $228,500 | 48.6% | 31.4% |
| Batesburg-Leesville town | 4,935 | $53,102 | $130,500 | 17.8% | 18.4% |
Population Overview
Chester city is a small city located in South Carolina. The total population is 5,241. It ranks as the 102nd most populous out of 475 cities and towns in South Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chester city is 37.3 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Chester city is $41,231. This is 38% lower than the state median of $66,818. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 48% lower. The poverty rate stands at 25.0%. This is 76% higher than the state poverty rate of 14.2%. 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 11.6%. This is 134% higher than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $106,400. Housing costs are 55% lower than the state median of $236,700. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Chester city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 54.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 24% lower than the state average of 71.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Chester city is Black or African American, making up 64.3% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 31.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (64.3% vs 25.1%). The Hispanic or Latino population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 7.1%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 1.7%.
Education
13.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 58% lower than the state rate of 31.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 80.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chester city, South Carolina 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 South Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 475 Census-designated places in South Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chester city, South Carolina?
Chester city, South Carolina has a population of 5,241 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chester city, SC?
The median household income in Chester city is $41,231, which is 48% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Chester city, SC?
The poverty rate in Chester city is 25.0%. This means approximately 1,298 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chester city, South Carolina?
Chester city's population is 31.8% White, 64.3% Black, 1.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chester city, SC?
The median home value in Chester city is $106,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Chester city, South Carolina?
13.1% of adults (25+) in Chester city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.