Chester city, West Virginia Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Chester city, West Virginia has a total population of 2,302, the 71st largest city in West Virginia, with a median household income of $63,750, which is 10% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x.
- Unemployment rate of 11.8% 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
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 18 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chester city Rankings in West Virginia
Explore West Virginia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullens city | 2,267 | $65,625 | $77,900 | 31.2% | 17.7% |
| Shinnston city | 2,198 | $63,750 | $135,500 | 21.3% | 15.2% |
| St. Marys city | 2,178 | $59,315 | $129,400 | 22.3% | 5.3% |
| Hooverson Heights CDP | 2,156 | $58,681 | $140,700 | 15.6% | 14.8% |
| Mineralwells CDP | 2,489 | $68,940 | $156,400 | 15.6% | 11.9% |
Population Overview
Chester city is a small community located in West Virginia. The total population is 2,302. It ranks as the 71st most populous out of 430 cities and towns in West Virginia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chester city is 55.4 years. This is 30% higher than the state median of 42.7 years. Only 15.0% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Chester city is $63,750. This is 10% higher than the state median of $57,917. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 19% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.1%. This is 39% lower than the state poverty rate of 16.6%. The unemployment rate is 11.8%. This is 106% higher than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $110,600. Housing costs are 29% lower than the state median of $155,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.7x, Chester city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 81.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% higher than the state average of 74.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
Chester city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.9%.
Education
26.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 12% higher than the state rate of 23.3%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chester city, West Virginia 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 West Virginia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 430 Census-designated places in West Virginia. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chester city, West Virginia?
Chester city, West Virginia has a population of 2,302 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chester city, WV?
The median household income in Chester city is $63,750, which is 19% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Chester city, WV?
The poverty rate in Chester city is 10.1%. This means approximately 233 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chester city, West Virginia?
Chester city's population is 93.6% White, 0.0% Black, 1.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chester city, WV?
The median home value in Chester city is $110,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x.
How educated is Chester city, West Virginia?
26.2% of adults (25+) in Chester city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.