Chester County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Chester County, South Carolina is 32,177 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $51,216, the median home value is $143,800, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Chester County has declined 2.5% since 2010 (33,163 → 32,323), a -0.18% annualized rate.
32,177
Population
-0.18%
Annual growth
55
People / sq mi
$51,216
Median Income
$143,800
Median Home Value
Chester County covers 581 sq mi of land at 55.4 people per square mile.
About Chester County, SC
Chester County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 32,177. It ranks #28 among counties in South Carolina by population. The median age is 42.2, older than the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The median household income in Chester County is $51,216, below the US median of $74,580. 15.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $143,800, with monthly rent averaging $918. The homeownership rate of 77.9% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Chester County reflects 13.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 31.8 minutes each way.
Chester County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chester County had a population of 33,163 in 2010 and 32,323 in 2024, a -2.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 33,163 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.18%.
32,323
Population (2024)
33,163
Population (2010)
33,163
Peak (2010)
-0.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 33,163 |
| 2011 | 32,884 |
| 2012 | 32,708 |
| 2013 | 32,744 |
| 2014 | 32,449 |
| 2015 | 32,420 |
| 2016 | 32,299 |
| 2017 | 32,300 |
| 2018 | 32,281 |
| 2019 | 32,186 |
| 2020 | 32,291 |
| 2021 | 32,160 |
| 2022 | 31,972 |
| 2023 | 32,163 |
| 2024 | 32,323 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 58.3% |
| Black or African American | 36.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
18.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,216$-15,602 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,845 |
| Per-capita income | $27,656 |
| Poverty rate | 15.7%+5.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chester County is manufacturing, accounting for 21.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.7%
Carpool
83.6%
Public transit
5.3%
Work from home
31.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$143,800$-92,900 vs state
Median home value
$918
Median rent
77.9%
Homeownership rate
14,717
Total housing units
87.8%
Occupied
12.2%
Vacant
22.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.3%
With health insurance
90.0%
With broadband internet
23.9%
Foreign-born
8.6%
Veterans (18+)
14.6%
With a disability
98.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.4%
High School+
13.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Carolina
Other counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chester County, South Carolina has a population of 32,177 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 55 people per square mile.
The population of Chester County has declined 2.5% since 2010 (33,163 → 32,323), a -0.18% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chester County, South Carolina is $51,216, with mean (average) household income of $66,845 and per-capita income of $27,656. 15.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chester County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (58.3%), Black or African American (36.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chester County, South Carolina is 42.2 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Chester County is $143,800 and median monthly rent is $918. 77.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,717 total housing units, 12.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chester County, South Carolina is manufacturing, employing 21.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Chester County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
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Full rankings of South Carolina counties
Statewide data for South Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.