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Chester County, SC growth snapshot

Chester County had an estimated 33,001 residents in 2025, up 2.2% (714 more people) since 2020. That is slower than South Carolina as a whole (+8.5%), and the 91st fastest growth of 146 counties in the Carolinas.

Data as of 2025 · updated

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Headline numbers

What the numbers say

Net domestic migration added 515 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 10,583 jobs in 2025, +11.2% since 2020 (49th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $1,178.

Unemployment averaged 5.7% in 2025, 1.8 points higher than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 310 new homes in 2025, or 9.4 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $52,458 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +19.3% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 1,215th.

Part of the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area.

Chester County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
202533,001+454
202432,547+320
202332,227+241
202231,986−183
202132,169−118
202032,287–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Chester County

Chester County grew by 714 people since 2020; the largest part came from domestic migration (+1,374).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−58−759
International migrationfrom and to other countries+2+84
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+515+1,374
Census adjustmentbalancing residual−5+15
Total change+454+714

Census Bureau population estimates, components of change, each year July 1 to June 30. The components add up to the change in the estimate; the Census adjustment is the small balancing figure the Bureau publishes.

How it ranks

MeasureIn South CarolinaAmong U.S. counties
Population growth27th of 461,215th of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents12th of 46228th of 3,108
Private-sector job growth22nd of 461,136th of 3,092
Median household income28th of 462,605th of 3,107
Average weekly wage10th of 46–
Lowest unemployment rate34th of 462,823rd of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents9th of 46177th of 3,005

1st = highest (lowest for unemployment). Counties are ranked only against others with a figure for the same period.

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Neighbouring counties

Over 2020–25, Chester County's population change (+2.2%) was ahead of 2 of its 4 neighbouring counties and behind 2 (York County and Lancaster County).

2 of its 4 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Chester County's $52,458 (2020–24).

Chester County, SC and its 4 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Chester County, SC This county33,001+2.2%15.69.4$52,458
York County, SC306,887+8.1%6.78.6$89,095
Fairfield County, SC20,340−2.6%1.03.6$47,885
Union County, SC26,799−1.4%5.913.9$41,621
Lancaster County, SC114,296+18.3%21.09.7$78,869

Census Bureau population estimates and building permits, American Community Survey 5-year income. Rates per 1,000 residents. – means no figure, or a base too small for a change or rate (it would swing on a few people). A figure from another period shows its year and is left out of the comparison.

All 46 South Carolina counties · All Carolinas counties and metros

Questions

What is the population of Chester County?

About 33,001 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Chester County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 2.2% between 2020 and 2025, about 714 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). South Carolina as a whole changed +8.5% over the same years. That ranks 91st of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Chester County?

On net, about 515 people in 2025: that many more moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Chester County?

Employers there reported 10,583 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +11.2% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $1,178 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Chester County?

It averaged 5.7% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Chester County?

Building permits authorized 310 new housing units in 2025, 9.4 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Chester County?

$52,458 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Chester County compare with other South Carolina counties?

Among South Carolina counties it ranks 27th of 46 for population growth; 12th of 46 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 22nd of 46 for private-sector job growth; 28th of 46 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 1,215th of 3,107 counties for population growth.

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Sources and method

Each number shows its own period. Changes compare the latest period with five years earlier (or the earliest period available). Beacon CRE last refreshed these figures on 2026-11-05. Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how we compute every number. More on every layer: data sources and licences.