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 skews on age — the median resident is 37.8, younger than the national median. With 17,452 residents, Chester County is a county in Tennessee.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $60,543 — below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Median home value is $155,200, with typical rent around $714.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.2% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.4% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 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.
Chester County, TN Climate
Chester County, TN has an average annual temperature of 15.1°C (59°F) and receives about 1374 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.1°C
Avg Temp
1374
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 37° | 105 mm |
| February | 5° / 41° | 112 mm |
| March | 10° / 51° | 141 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 127 mm |
| May | 20° / 67° | 140 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 104 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 114 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 79 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 100 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 84 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 129 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 139 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, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Chester County, TN are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Chester County
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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.