Chester County, Pennsylvania Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Pennsylvania
The population of Chester County, Pennsylvania is 540,896 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Pennsylvania. The median household income is $123,041, the median home value is $461,800, and the median age is 40.7.
The population of Chester County has grown 12.2% since 2010 (499,935 → 560,745), a +0.82% annualized rate.
540,896
Population
+0.82%
Annual growth
721
People / sq mi
$123,041
Median Income
$461,800
Median Home Value
Chester County covers 751 sq mi of land at 720.7 people per square mile.
About Chester County, PA
What sets Chester County apart is money: median household income runs $123,041, above the US median of $78,538. Chester County is a county in Pennsylvania with a population of 540,896. It is the #7-largest of all counties in Pennsylvania nationally.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $123,041, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the lowest of comparable US counties, at 3.7% — below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $461,800, with typical rent around $1,691.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 56.6% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 21.7% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Chester County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Chester County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chester County had a population of 499,935 in 2010 and 560,745 in 2024, a 12.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 560,745 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.82%.
560,745
Population (2024)
499,935
Population (2010)
560,745
Peak (2024)
0.82%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 499,935 |
| 2011 | 503,488 |
| 2012 | 506,049 |
| 2013 | 509,101 |
| 2014 | 512,776 |
| 2015 | 515,098 |
| 2016 | 516,768 |
| 2017 | 519,057 |
| 2018 | 522,256 |
| 2019 | 525,059 |
| 2020 | 534,860 |
| 2021 | 541,036 |
| 2022 | 547,248 |
| 2023 | 555,310 |
| 2024 | 560,745 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 78.4% |
| Black or African American | 5.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.7
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
17.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 17.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $123,041+$46,960 vs state |
| Mean household income | $165,377 |
| Per-capita income | $63,089 |
| Poverty rate | 3.7%-4.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 65.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chester County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.8% of workers.
How residents commute
1.4%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
66.9%
Public transit
21.7%
Work from home
27.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$461,800+$221,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,691
Median rent
74.9%
Homeownership rate
210,730
Total housing units
96.0%
Occupied
4.0%
Vacant
25.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.6%
With health insurance
96.6%
With broadband internet
26.4%
Foreign-born
5.3%
Veterans (18+)
9.4%
With a disability
86.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.9%
High School+
56.6%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Chester County, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Chester County, Pennsylvania has a population of 540,896 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Pennsylvania. Population density is 721 people per square mile.
The population of Chester County has grown 12.2% since 2010 (499,935 → 560,745), a +0.82% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chester County, Pennsylvania is $123,041, with mean (average) household income of $165,377 and per-capita income of $63,089. 3.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chester County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (78.4%), Black or African American (5.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chester County, Pennsylvania is 40.7 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Chester County is $461,800 and median monthly rent is $1,691. 74.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 210,730 total housing units, 4.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chester County, Pennsylvania is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Philadelphia is among the largest cities associated with Chester County, Pennsylvania, with a population of 1,582,432.
Chester County, PA Climate
Chester County, PA has an average annual temperature of 11.3°C (52°F) and receives about 1183 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11.3°C
Avg Temp
1183
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 94 mm |
| February | 0° / 32° | 74 mm |
| March | 5° / 40° | 98 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 96 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 112 mm |
| June | 21° / 69° | 105 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 117 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 99 mm |
| September | 19° / 66° | 110 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 85 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 99 mm |
| December | 2° / 35° | 94 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 County, PA
The most comfortable months to visit Chester County, PA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Chester County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.