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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Chester County: 13.7% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 32,177 residents, Chester County is a county in South Carolina. It ranks #28 among counties in South Carolina by population.
The typical household earns $51,216, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.7%, above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $143,800, with typical rent around $918.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 13.7%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.3% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 32 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.
Chester County, SC Climate
Chester County, SC has an average annual temperature of 15.9°C (61°F) and receives about 1207 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.9°C
Avg Temp
1207
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 112 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 98 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 125 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 79 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 89 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 108 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 112 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 116 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 106 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 88 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 83 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 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 County, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Chester County, SC are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Chester County
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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.