Chester County, South Carolina

Income Data

-10% vs. South Carolina average
$51,216
Median Household Income
$27,656
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$51,216
-10% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$27,656
-30% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
35.6%
income as % of home value
Rank in South Carolina
#28 / 46
by median household income

How Chester County Compares

Chester County$51,216
South Carolina Average$57,006
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$51,216
Median Household Income
$27,656
Per Capita Income
$143,800
Median Home Value
35.6%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Chester County, South Carolina

Chester faces significant national income gap

Chester County's median household income of $51,216 lags the national median of $74,755 by roughly $23,500. This 32% shortfall places Chester in the lower range of U.S. counties, reflecting broader rural economic challenges.

Below-average income for South Carolina

Chester's $51,216 falls $5,790 short of South Carolina's state average of $57,006, ranking in the lower-middle tier among 46 counties. Per capita income of $27,656 also trails the state average of $32,382 by nearly $4,700.

Similar struggles with neighboring counties

Chester's $51,216 income resembles Cherokee ($49,047), Chesterfield ($47,620), and Clarendon ($48,887), indicating shared structural challenges across rural counties. The contrast with Charleston County's $84,320 underscores the economic divide between metro and rural areas.

Housing affordability provides stability

Chester's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% means households dedicate roughly one-fifth of earnings to housing—a sustainable level well below the 30% threshold. The median home value of $143,800 remains affordable relative to local incomes, supporting homeownership.

Build wealth through disciplined planning

Chester residents benefit from lower housing costs, freeing resources for savings and investments that compounds over time. Exploring employer retirement benefits, side income, and community workforce programs offers realistic pathways to increase household earnings and long-term wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Chester County, South Carolina?
The median household income in Chester County, South Carolina is $51,216, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Chester County?
The per capita income in Chester County is $27,656, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $51,216.
How does Chester County compare to the South Carolina average?
Chester County's median household income of $51,216 is lower than the South Carolina state average of $57,006. The per capita income is $27,656, compared to the state average of $32,382.
What is the per capita income in Chester County, South Carolina?
The per capita income in Chester County, South Carolina is $27,656, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Chester County a low-income area in South Carolina?
Chester County's median household income of $51,216 is below the South Carolina average of $57,006. The per capita income of $27,656 is also lower than the state average of $32,382. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Chester County rank for income in South Carolina?
Chester County ranks #28 out of 46 counties in South Carolina by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $51,216 and per capita income of $27,656, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Chester County

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County median: $51,216 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

-31%

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vs. South Carolina Average10% below
vs. National Median31% below

Income Adequacy

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.