Chester
Tennessee

What stands out

Three things set Chester County apart from the other 3,142 counties: violent crime is in the top 11% of American counties (4.7 per 1,000) and the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 15% of American counties ($642 a month). Within Tennessee it ranks 35th of 95 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Chester County, Tennessee. 17,392 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +103).

Tennessee has no income tax on wages, and its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed in 2021. It has one of the highest combined sales-tax rates in the country and taxes groceries at a reduced rate. Nashville and the surrounding counties have had a decade of rapid growth and price increases; the rest of the state remains inexpensive. There is no estate or inheritance tax.

Money

The typical household here brings in $57,471 a year, lower than 60% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,062. Unemployment runs 3.0%, lower than 66% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 27 minutes each way.

Tennessee has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $172K, cheaper than 75% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $642 a month. Property tax is 0.59% of home value, roughly $803 a year on that median home, lower than 79% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 89% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 73.4 years, shorter than 76% of American counties. There are 6 active physicians in the county, about 3.4 per 10,000 people. 11.3% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.23 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 80% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 68 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 57% of eligible voters turned out. Under Tennessee law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is illegal.

Weather and risk

The year averages 61°F, highs near 72 and lows near 50, warmer than 71% of American counties. About 50 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 51 out of 100, riskier than 51% of American counties; the county has had 16 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 255 Mbps down, faster than 77% of American counties. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.