Living in West Chester, Pennsylvania
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of West Chester · Census data 2020–2024
West Chester has 20,666 residents with a median age of 25.3. The median household income is $78,385 (about the same as the Pennsylvania median), the median home value is $490,700, the median rent is $1,731/month.
West Chester at a glance
- Population
- 20,666
- Median age
- 25.3State: 40.9
- Median household income
- $78,385State: $77,971
- Median home value
- $490,700State: $254,500
- Median rent
- $1,731/moState: $1,209
- Homeowners
- 35.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 59.1%
- Average commute
- 21 min
Is West Chester a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income about the same as the Pennsylvania median; an average commute of 21 minutes.
Cons: Home values 93% higher than the state median; unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 20.4%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in West Chester
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In West Chester the median home value is $490,700, 47% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,731 per month, which is 31.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $2,341 a month in housing costs.
West Chester median household income
The median household income in West Chester is $78,385 and the income per person is $44,502. 20.4% of residents live below the poverty line (Pennsylvania: 11.7%).
Housing in West Chester: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 8,087
- Owner-occupied
- 35.4%
- Renter-occupied
- 64.6%
- Vacant
- 3.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1954
- Average household size
- 2.00
West Chester demographics
- Population
- 20,666
- Median age
- 25.3
- Under 18
- 9%
- 65 and older
- 11.5%
- Households
- 7,774
- Foreign-born
- 4.9%
- Veterans
- 2.5%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of West Chester ›
Education in West Chester
59.1% of adults 25 and older in West Chester have a bachelor's degree or higher (Pennsylvania: 35.2%), and 22.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in West Chester
- Unemployment rate
- 7%State: 5.3%
- Average commute
- 21 minState: 26 min
- Work from home
- 17.2%
- Drive alone
- 59.9%
- Public transit
- 1.6%
- Walk to work
- 13.9%
- Homes with broadband
- 90.5%
West Chester vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Chester | 20,666 | $78,385 | $490,700 | $1,731 |
| West Goshen | 23,553 | $132,242 | $575,300 | $1,908 |
| East Bradford | 10,753 | $155,240 | $603,700 | $2,392 |
| Westtown | 11,254 | $138,664 | $616,200 | $2,389 |
| Thornbury | 3,179 | $172,070 | $669,500 | $2,287 |
| East Goshen | 18,441 | $106,866 | $528,600 | $1,785 |
| Marshallton | 438 | $108,958 | $501,700 | — |
| Birmingham | 4,098 | $215,000 | $757,900 | — |
| Dilworthtown | 1,090 | $176,667 | $569,800 | — |
More for people moving to West Chester
West Chester ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in West Chester: FAQ
What is the median household income in West Chester, PA?
The median household income in West Chester is $78,385, about the same as the Pennsylvania median of $77,971 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in West Chester?
The median home value in West Chester is $490,700, compared with $254,500 in Pennsylvania.
How much is rent in West Chester?
The median gross rent in West Chester is $1,731 per month, about 31.8% of household income.
Is West Chester, PA a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income about the same as the Pennsylvania median; an average commute of 21 minutes. Minuses: home values 93% higher than the state median; unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 20.4%.
What is the median age in West Chester?
The median age in West Chester is 25.3 years (Pennsylvania: 40.9).
How long is the commute in West Chester?
The average commute to work in West Chester is 21 minutes; 17.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in West Chester?
The unemployment rate in West Chester is 7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is West Chester?
59.1% of adults in West Chester have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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