countyscore

Chester County, Pennsylvania — County Report Card

PA

#42 in Pennsylvania

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
51.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 98.8Health 93.5Safety 76.9

County Report Card

About Chester County, Pennsylvania

Prosperity Defines Chester County

Chester County holds a composite score of 51.1, slightly above the national median of 50.0. While its economic power is immense, high living costs moderate its overall composite rank.

Competitive Within Pennsylvania

Chester County's 51.1 score is very close to the Pennsylvania state average of 51.8. It represents the high-end of the state’s economic spectrum, even if affordability drags down its total score.

Elite Income and Public Health

The county is an economic leader with an Income Score of 98.8 and a median household income of $123,041. Health outcomes are also among the best in the nation, reflected in a Health Score of 93.5.

Extreme Housing Costs and Risk

Affordability is nearly the lowest in the state with a Cost Score of 3.0 and median home values of $461,800. The county also has a very low Risk Score of 8.1, indicating high vulnerability to natural hazards.

A Premium Lifestyle for High Earners

Chester County is designed for affluent families and executives who demand the highest health and income potential. It is a high-cost, high-reward environment where residents pay a significant premium for community amenities.

2040608010019.3376.993.567.198.88.138.458.9Tax19.3Cost3Safety76.9Health93.5Schools67.1Income98.8Risk8.1Water38.4Weather58.951.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Chester County DNA

Foverall

How Chester County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Chester County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (98.8/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.3-32.7
Cost
3-45
Safety
76.9+21.900000000000006
Health
93.5+43.5
Schools
67.1+13.099999999999994
Income
98.8+47.8
Risk
8.1-38.9
Water
38.4-19.6
Weather
58.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$461,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,691/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$461,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$67,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $123,041/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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Nearby counties

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44.5
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44.3
Montgomery County
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44
Salem County
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Lancaster County
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Cecil County
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Philadelphia County
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Deep Dives

Chester County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Chester County

via TaxByCounty

Chester's taxes rank among nation's highest

Chester County's effective tax rate of 1.341% exceeds the national median of 1.09%, placing it in roughly the 73rd percentile. The median property tax of $6,191 is more than double the national median of $2,690, driven by both Chester's high effective rate and its premium property values of $461,800.

Above Pennsylvania's average, second-highest bills

Chester County ranks in the upper quarter of Pennsylvania counties by effective tax rate, slightly exceeding the state average of 1.317%. Its median tax of $6,191 is the second-highest in the state after Bucks County, reflecting the county's combination of steep rates and robust home values.

Steeper than Bucks despite similar rates

Chester's 1.341% rate is nearly identical to Bucks County's 1.383%, but Chester residents pay more in absolute dollars ($6,191 vs. $5,833) due to higher median home values. Both represent the wealthiest, most heavily taxed counties in the Philadelphia region.

Substantial: roughly $6,191 per year

On Chester's median home value of $461,800, the 1.341% effective rate translates to an estimated annual property tax of $6,191. This is among the nation's highest property tax bills in absolute dollars, reflecting the county's affluent character.

High values make appeals especially valuable

In Chester County's expensive housing market, even small assessment errors translate to substantial tax overpayments. Filing an appeal is particularly worthwhile here—a 5% overvaluation could cost hundreds annually, making the effort highly worthwhile.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chester County

via CostByCounty

Chester balances wealth and affordability

Chester County residents spend 16.5% of income on housing—matching both the national average and Pennsylvania state average—despite having Pennsylvania's highest median income of $123,041. This exceptional balance means wealthy Chester households maintain the same rent-to-income ratio as average Americans earning far less.

Pennsylvania's wealthiest, most balanced

Chester ties Pennsylvania's state average at 16.5% rent-to-income despite commanding the state's highest median household income and median rent of $1,691. The county achieves ideal affordability precisely because incomes scale proportionally with costs.

Premium pricing for premium incomes

Chester's $1,691 median rent tops Bucks ($1,537) and Centre ($1,181) substantially, but the $123,041 median income far exceeds all regional peers, justifying the premium. Affordability remains balanced here only because Chester households earn 65% more than Butler County residents.

Chester's fortunate math

Renters allocate $1,691 monthly (16.5%) and homeowners $2,051 (19.9%) against the $123,041 median household income, the highest absolute spending in Pennsylvania. Despite large dollar amounts, Chester households retain substantially more discretionary income than any other county in the state.

Chester rewards high earners abundantly

Move to Chester County if your income places you in the upper 25% regionally—the $461,800 median home price and $1,691 median rent become genuine bargains relative to your earning potential. Lower-income relocators should look elsewhere; Chester's affordability advantage exists only for the already-affluent.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chester County

via IncomeByCounty

Chester leads Pennsylvania's income ladder

Chester County's median household income of $123,041 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 65%, ranking among the wealthiest counties in the United States. This affluent Philadelphia suburb concentrates high-earning professionals and executives in a prosperous suburban corridor.

Pennsylvania's highest-earning county

Chester County ranks first among Pennsylvania's 67 counties with a median household income of $123,041—a commanding $53,427 above the state average of $69,614. The county's combination of suburban proximity to Philadelphia and concentration of corporate headquarters drives unmatched income levels.

Outearns all peers decisively

Chester County's $123,041 median income far exceeds nearby Bucks ($111,951) by $11,090 and dwarfs all other counties in this analysis, reflecting its status as Pennsylvania's wealth epicenter. The gap between Chester and lower-income regions like Cameron ($47,681) approaches 160%.

Wealth concentration with moderate burden

Chester County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio matches Bucks County, remaining comfortably below affordability thresholds despite the highest median home value ($461,800) in this analysis. Exceptional incomes enable residents to carry premium housing costs while maintaining robust savings capacity.

Optimize tax strategy and diversify assets

Chester County's median household income of $123,041 positions residents to accumulate substantial wealth through tax-efficient investing and diversified portfolios. Consult a tax advisor about strategies like maxing 401(k)s, funding HSAs, and exploring alternative investments to preserve and grow your significant earning advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chester County

via CrimeByCounty

Chester County Among Safest in the US

Chester County holds an exceptional 99.1 safety score, reflecting its status as a very safe place to live. The total crime rate of 552.3 per 100,000 is roughly one-fourth of the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading Pennsylvania’s Safety Metrics

Chester County surpasses the state safety score average of 98.5. Its total crime rate of 552.3 is significantly better than the Pennsylvania state average of 932.4 per 100,000.

Comparing Chester and Bucks

Chester County reports a lower crime rate (552.3) than neighbor Bucks County (624.6). It stands out as one of the safest suburban regions in the entire Commonwealth.

Detailed Look at Local Crime Rates

Violent crime is very low at 76.6 per 100,000, while property crime sits at 475.7. Most incidents reported across the county's 52 agencies involve non-violent property offenses.

Enhanced Security for Peace of Mind

With a large number of reporting agencies, Chester County has a robust law enforcement presence. Residents can support these efforts by utilizing home security cameras and ensuring all valuables are out of sight in vehicles.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Chester County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Infrastructure in a High-Growth Region

Chester County manages a massive system of 109 public schools across 22 districts, serving 85,664 students. The county features a diverse array of facilities, including 63 elementary schools, 19 middle schools, 21 high schools, and six specialized centers. This scale makes it one of the largest and most complex educational networks in Pennsylvania.

Consistent Performance and Balanced Spending

Chester County maintains an 89.3% graduation rate, which sits slightly below the state average but remains above the national benchmark. Per-pupil spending of $10,204 is almost exactly aligned with the Pennsylvania average of $10,336. The county's school score of 60.1 confirms a steady academic performance that mirrors state expectations.

Suburban Giants and a Large Charter Presence

Downingtown Area and West Chester Area are the county's largest districts, serving 13,201 and 12,117 students respectively. The county also features a significant charter school sector, with eight schools representing 7.3% of all campuses. These include large cyber and regional charters like Insight PA, which serves over 3,600 students.

Large Suburban Campuses Define the Experience

The county is overwhelmingly suburban, with 89 of its 109 schools located in suburban locales. Schools here are larger than the state average, with a mean enrollment of 786 students per campus. Major facilities like Conestoga Senior High School serve over 2,300 students, offering a broad range of extracurricular and academic tracks.

A Top Choice for Suburban Families

Chester County's reputation for solid school districts makes it a perennial favorite for homebuyers in the Philadelphia region. The sheer variety of 22 different districts allows families to find a specific community that fits their educational and lifestyle needs. Prioritize districts with high school scores to ensure long-term property value stability.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chester County

via RiskByCounty

Chester ranks among state's highest-risk

Chester County's composite risk score of 91.86 places it in the relatively moderate category—24 points above Pennsylvania's state average of 67.45. Only one other county in the state faces comparably elevated disaster risk.

Second-highest risk in Pennsylvania

Chester County ranks second among all 67 Pennsylvania counties for overall natural disaster risk, just behind Bucks County. This exceptional exposure demands serious preparation across multiple hazard types.

Riskier than all nearby counties

Chester County's 91.86 score is only matched by Bucks County (94.78) to the north. All other surrounding counties—Centre, Carbon, Cambria, and Butler—score between 59 and 79, making Chester a notable risk outlier in the region.

Flooding, tornadoes, and earthquakes loom

Chester County faces exceptional flood risk (94.34), significant tornado risk (87.98), and high earthquake risk (90.17). These three hazards create a compounding vulnerability requiring comprehensive household preparedness planning.

Flood and earthquake coverage essential

With flood risk at 94.34 and earthquake risk at 90.17, Chester County residents must secure both standalone flood insurance and earthquake coverage. Reinforce your home's foundation, secure water heaters, and maintain a family disaster communication plan.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Chester County

via WaterByCounty

Chester County Faces Low Compliance Grade

Chester County receives a Grade F for its 93 health violations over the last five years. However, its violation rate of 36.1 per 100,000 residents remains well below the Pennsylvania state average of 86.5. While the grade is low, the per-capita impact is less severe than state-wide trends might suggest.

Large Watershed Network Awaiting Assessment

With 41,870 water bodies, Chester County has a vast hydrographic network that is not yet covered in the 2022 federal §303(d) assessment. This leaves the official share of impaired water bodies currently at 0.0% in federal records. This status reflects a lack of reporting coverage rather than a verified absence of impairment.

High Monitoring Density Tracks Vital Statistics

Chester County features 177 monitoring sites that have logged 33,600 measurements in the past five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical characteristics, inorganics, and metals. This high site density ensures that local water quality is being closely watched across the county's diverse landscape.

Brandywine Creek Levels Significantly Low

The East Branch Brandywine Creek below Downingtown is flowing at 58 cfs, just 38% of its typical mean. This drainage area of 90 square miles is seeing a substantial decrease in water volume compared to historical data. Lower water levels are characteristic of recent dry spells in the southeastern part of the state.

Monitor Water Quality During Dry Spells

Because the Brandywine Creek is at only 38% of its typical flow, surface water sources may experience higher concentrations of nutrients and metals. With 93 violations on record, residents should ensure their filtration systems are maintained to handle these potential shifts. Testing for inorganic compounds is recommended given the local monitoring priorities.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chester County

via WeatherByCounty

A Near National Median Climate

Chester County averages 52.9°F, aligning closely with the national median temperature. This region enjoys the mildest climate profile in the Pennsylvania area.

One of Pennsylvania's Warmest Counties

At 52.9°F, Chester County is significantly warmer than the state average of 49.9°F. It ranks among the top tier of counties for annual heat and mild winters.

Milder Than Neighboring Bucks County

Chester is slightly warmer than its neighbor Bucks County, which averages 52.3°F. It receives 48.8 inches of rain, exceeding the state average of 45.3 inches.

Hot Summers and Manageable Winters

July averages 75.0°F with 19 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are mild for Pennsylvania, seeing 28.5 inches of snow and a 32.8°F average.

Prepare for Heat and Moisture

Efficient air conditioning is a necessity to manage nearly 20 days of extreme summer heat. Property owners should also plan for heavy rain given the 48.8-inch annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chester County

via SoilByCounty

Very acidic soils in the southeast

Chester County soil records a pH of 4.94, making it more acidic than the state average and far below the national median of 6.5. Without taxonomic data, we rely on this acidity to understand the local chemistry. Lime is usually a necessity for anyone growing anything other than acid-loving plants.

Heavy on silt for smooth texture

The soil contains 26.5% sand, 43.2% silt, and 14.6% clay. This silty profile makes the soil feel smooth and allows for easy root expansion for young plants. However, the moderate clay content means it can become compacted if worked while it is too wet.

Lower organic matter requires attention

Organic matter is just 2.37%, which is slightly above the national average of 2.0% but very low compared to the state average of 12.14%. With an available water capacity of 0.142 inches per inch, the soil is slightly below the state benchmark for moisture retention. Adding compost will be key to building long-term soil health.

Monitoring drainage in the Piedmont

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable for Chester County. Local growers often find that the rolling hills of the Piedmont provide natural drainage, but silty soils can still hold water in flat areas. Always observe your site after a heavy rain to plan your garden beds accordingly.

Long growing seasons in Zone 7a

Chester County enjoys the warmth of Hardiness Zone 7a, allowing for an early spring start and a late autumn harvest. This zone is excellent for peaches, grapes, and long-season vegetables. Take advantage of the mild climate and start your garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chester County

via LawnByCounty

Chester County's Warmer Climate Raises the Stakes

Chester County’s lawn difficulty score of 48.8 reflects the challenges of a warmer hardiness zone 7a. This score is significantly lower than the Pennsylvania average of 59.2, making it one of the more difficult counties for lawn care. The transition between cool-season and warm-season needs makes maintenance complex.

Long, Hot Seasons Demand Better Irrigation

The county sees 19 extreme heat days annually, nearly double the state average, which can turn cool-season grasses brown without proper care. With 3326 growing degree days, the mowing season starts early and ends late compared to northern neighbors. Fortunately, 48.8 inches of annual rain helps offset the high heat stress.

Correcting Acidity is Key to Success

Soil in Chester County averages a pH of 4.94, which is significantly more acidic than the state’s ideal range. This low pH can prevent your grass from absorbing the nutrients it needs to survive the 19 heat days each year. With a clay content of 14.6%, aeration may be necessary if your yard sees heavy foot traffic.

Persistent Dryness Requires Smart Watering

Homeowners have dealt with 33 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry. To combat this, set your mower to a higher setting to shade the soil and keep roots cool. This practice helps the lawn retain moisture during Chester's frequent summer dry spells.

Tall Fescue is the Best Local Bet

Because of the zone 7a heat, heat-tolerant tall fescue is often a better choice than Kentucky bluegrass in Chester County. You have a long planting window, but aiming for late August avoids the October 26th frost while avoiding summer heat. Always apply lime during your fall renovation to fix the highly acidic 4.94 pH soil.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chester County's county score?
Chester County, Pennsylvania has a composite county score of 51.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Chester County rank among counties in Pennsylvania?
Chester County ranks #42 among all counties in Pennsylvania on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Chester County, Pennsylvania?
The median annual property tax in Chester County is $6,191, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Chester County a tax score of 19.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chester County?
The median household income in Chester County, Pennsylvania is $123,041 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chester County earns an income score of 98.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chester County, Pennsylvania a good place to live?
Chester County scores 51.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Pennsylvania. The best way to evaluate Chester County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Chester County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.