Chester County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 74th-largest in Tennessee
The population of Chester County, Tennessee is 17,452 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 74th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $60,543, the median home value is $155,200, and the median age is 37.8.
The population of Chester County has grown 4.0% since 2010 (17,194 → 17,876), a +0.28% annualized rate.
17,452
Population
+0.28%
Annual growth
61
People / sq mi
$60,543
Median Income
$155,200
Median Home Value
Chester County covers 286 sq mi of land at 61.1 people per square mile.
About Chester County, TN
Chester County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 17,452. It ranks #74 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 37.8, in line with the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The median household income in Chester County is $60,543, below the US median of $74,580. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $155,200, with monthly rent averaging $714. The homeownership rate of 76.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Chester County reflects 19.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.1 minutes each way.
Chester County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Chester County had a population of 17,194 in 2010 and 17,876 in 2024, a 4.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,876 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.28%.
17,876
Population (2024)
17,194
Population (2010)
17,876
Peak (2024)
0.28%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,194 |
| 2011 | 17,150 |
| 2012 | 17,080 |
| 2013 | 17,120 |
| 2014 | 17,141 |
| 2015 | 17,130 |
| 2016 | 17,132 |
| 2017 | 17,153 |
| 2018 | 17,279 |
| 2019 | 17,306 |
| 2020 | 17,385 |
| 2021 | 17,475 |
| 2022 | 17,599 |
| 2023 | 17,722 |
| 2024 | 17,876 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.0% |
| Black or African American | 9.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.8
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
17.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.9% · Seniors (65+): 17.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,543$-6,554 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,399 |
| Per-capita income | $27,480 |
| Poverty rate | 12.6%+2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Chester County is manufacturing, accounting for 21.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
85.0%
Public transit
8.4%
Work from home
28.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$155,200$-101,600 vs state
Median home value
$714
Median rent
76.6%
Homeownership rate
7,251
Total housing units
87.3%
Occupied
12.7%
Vacant
23.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.7%
With health insurance
91.4%
With broadband internet
27.3%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
10.8%
With a disability
96.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.7%
High School+
19.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chester County, Tennessee has a population of 17,452 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 74th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 61 people per square mile.
The population of Chester County has grown 4.0% since 2010 (17,194 → 17,876), a +0.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Chester County, Tennessee is $60,543, with mean (average) household income of $72,399 and per-capita income of $27,480. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Chester County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (85.0%), Black or African American (9.8%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Chester County, Tennessee is 37.8 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Chester County is $155,200 and median monthly rent is $714. 76.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,251 total housing units, 12.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Chester County, Tennessee is manufacturing, employing 21.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Chester County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
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Full rankings of Tennessee counties
Statewide data for Tennessee
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Tennessee
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.