Chester, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Chester, Pennsylvania is 33,209 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 16th-largest city in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $39,809, the median home value is $85,400, and the median age is 33.3.
The population has grown 0.3% since 2010 (33,935 → 34,052).
33,209
Population
6871
People / sq mi
$39,809
Median Income
$85,400
Median Home Value
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Chester covers 4.8 sq mi of land at 6871 people per square mile.
About Chester, PA
In Chester, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $85,400. With 33,209 residents, Chester is a city in Pennsylvania. It ranks #16 among cities in Pennsylvania by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $39,809, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 25.2%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $85,400, with typical rent around $1,080.
Chester is among the least college-educated US cities, at 13.3% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.6%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Chester city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Chester city had a population of 33,935 in 2010 and 34,052 in 2024, a 0.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,057 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: 0.03%.
34,052
Population (2024)
33,935
Population (2010)
34,057
Peak (2014)
0.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 33,935 |
| 2011 | 33,762 |
| 2012 | 33,960 |
| 2013 | 34,047 |
| 2014 | 34,057 |
| 2015 | 34,013 |
| 2016 | 33,982 |
| 2017 | 33,925 |
| 2018 | 33,950 |
| 2019 | 34,000 |
| 2020 | 32,695 |
| 2021 | 33,693 |
| 2022 | 33,681 |
| 2023 | 33,907 |
| 2024 | 34,052 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 16.4% |
| Black or African American | 71.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$39,809
Median Household Income
$23,451
Per Capita Income
25.2%
Poverty Rate
10.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$85,400
Median Home Value
$1,080
Median Rent
40.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
86.1%
High School+
13.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
9.6%
Drive Alone
61.3%
Public Transit
8.6%
Work From Home
21.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
14.7%
Foreign Born
91.2%
Non-English at Home
5.4%
Veterans
15.1%
With Disability
94.9%
Health Insurance
91.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 36.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.9% |
| Retail Trade | 9.8% |
| Manufacturing | 9.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.6% |
| Information | 5.0% |
| Construction | 3.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.6% |
| Public Administration | 2.9% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Pennsylvania
Largest counties in Pennsylvania
Part of Pennsylvania
Metro areas in Pennsylvania
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chester, Pennsylvania has a population of 33,209 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 16th-largest city in Pennsylvania.
The median household income in Chester, Pennsylvania is $39,809, with 25.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Chester, Pennsylvania is $85,400, with median monthly rent at $1,080 and a homeownership rate of 40.9%.
The median age in Chester, Pennsylvania is 33.3 years. The population is 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
The population has grown 0.3% since 2010 (33,935 → 34,052).
Chester city, PA Climate
Chester city, PA has an average annual temperature of 12.4°C (54°F) and receives about 1140 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.4°C
Avg Temp
1140
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 91 mm |
| February | 1° / 34° | 73 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 100 mm |
| April | 11° / 52° | 96 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 107 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 94 mm |
| July | 25° / 76° | 114 mm |
| August | 24° / 75° | 102 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 104 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 78 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 90 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 91 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Chester city, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Chester city, PA are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Chester
Visiting or relocating to Chester, PA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Chester
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.