Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Located in the state of Illinois, Chester is a small city with a population of 8,448 people. The majority of Chester residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and American Indian and Alaskan. Chester is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 37% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Chester will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Living in Chester can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of Illinois, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Chester and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Chester to Illinois and the national average.
With a livability score of 59 out of 100, Chester is ranked #19,800 in the United States and #1,065 in Illinois. This is not a favorable rating; as this score ranks among some of the lowest in America. Living in Chester may not be a pleasant experience. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Chester has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Chester does not fare well for the following: amenities (F) and education (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 45 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Chester boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Chester has an unemployment rate of 2.2% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Chester market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Assuming that Chester meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Chester. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Chester are simply unattainable. The median home price for Chester homes is $170,524, which is 44.7% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Chester, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 34.3% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Chester | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 86.3% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.4% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.6% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.1% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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