Chester, Iowa

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Population in 2022: 138 (0% urban, 100% rural).
Population change since 2000: -8.6%
 
Males: 59  (43.1%)
Females: 79  (56.9%)
Median resident age:

39.0 years
Iowa median age:

38.9 years

Zip code: 52134

Estimated median household income in 2022: $51,358 (it was $21,875 in 2000)
Chester:

$51,358
IA:

$69,588

Estimated per capita income in 2022: $26,521 (it was $18,240 in 2000)

Estimated median house or condo value in 2022: $107,159 (it was $40,000 in 2000)
Chester:

$107,159
IA:

$194,600

Mean prices in 2022: all housing units: $93,129; detached houses: $92,727
March 2022 cost of living index in Chester: 79.8 (low, U.S. average is 100)
Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2022: 10.5%

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  • Races in Chester, IA (2022)
    • 14997.4%White alone
    • 10.7%Two or more races
    • 10.7%Hispanic
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Latest news from Chester, IA collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations

Ancestries: Norwegian (32.1%), German (25.0%), Czech (17.9%), English (10.7%), Welsh (7.1%), French (3.6%).

Current Local Time: CST time zone

Incorporated on 09/22/1900

Elevation: 1231 feet

Land area: 1.33 square miles.

Population density: 103 people per square mile   (very low).

Chester, Iowa map

1 resident is foreign born

This city:

0.6%
Iowa:

5.6%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2022: $722 (0.8%)
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2022: $917 (0.8%)

Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Rochester, MN (37.4 miles , pop. 85,806).

Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: St. Paul, MN (107.9 miles , pop. 287,151).

Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Chicago, IL (264.0 miles , pop. 2,896,016).

Nearest cities:

Lime Springs, IA (2.2 miles ),
Le Roy, MN (2.7 miles ),
Ostrander, MN (3.0 miles ),
McIntire, IA (3.5 miles),
Riceville, IA (3.6 miles ),
Spring Valley, MN (3.7 miles ),
Cresco, IA (3.8 miles ),
Taopi, MN (3.8 miles)

Latitude: 43.49 N, Longitude: 92.36 W

Area code: 563

Distribution of median household income in Chester, IA in 2022
Distribution of house value in Chester, IA in 2022

Chester satellite photo by USGS

Unemployment in December 2023:
Here:

2.8%
Iowa:

2.7%
Most common industries in Chester, IA (%)
Both Males Females
Most common industries in 2000
  • Transportation equipment (16.7%)
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (13.6%)
  • Construction (7.6%)
  • Finance & insurance (7.6%)
  • Food & beverage stores (6.1%)
  • Health care (6.1%)
  • Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, similar organizations (6.1%)
Most common industries for males in 2000
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting (36.0%)
  • Construction (20.0%)
  • Transportation equipment (16.0%)
  • Machinery (12.0%)
  • Truck transportation (8.0%)
  • Finance & insurance (8.0%)
Most common industries for females in 2000
  • Transportation equipment (17.1%)
  • Food & beverage stores (9.8%)
  • Health care (9.8%)
  • Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, similar organizations (9.8%)
  • Gasoline stations (7.3%)
  • Jewelry, luggage, leather goods stores (7.3%)
  • Finance & insurance (7.3%)
Most common occupations in Chester, IA (%)
Both Males Females
Most common occupations in 2000
  • Assemblers and fabricators (18.2%)
  • Agricultural workers, including supervisors (10.6%)
  • Cashiers (7.6%)
  • Registered nurses (6.1%)
  • Laborers and material movers, hand (6.1%)
  • Waiters and waitresses (4.5%)
  • Retail sales workers, except cashiers (4.5%)
Most common occupations for males in 2000
  • Agricultural workers, including supervisors (28.0%)
  • Construction laborers (12.0%)
  • Assemblers and fabricators (12.0%)
  • Farmers and farm managers (8.0%)
  • Operations specialties managers, except financial managers (8.0%)
  • Sales representatives, services, wholesale and manufacturing (8.0%)
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (8.0%)
Most common occupations for females in 2000
  • Assemblers and fabricators (22.0%)
  • Cashiers (12.2%)
  • Registered nurses (9.8%)
  • Waiters and waitresses (7.3%)
  • Retail sales workers, except cashiers (7.3%)
  • Secretaries and administrative assistants (7.3%)
  • Counselors, social workers, and other community and social service specialists (4.9%)

Average climate in Chester, Iowa

Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

Chester, Iowa average temperatures Chester, Iowa average precipitation Chester, Iowa humidity Chester, Iowa wind speed Chester, Iowa snowfall Chester, Iowa sunshine Chester, Iowa clear and cloudy days

Tornado activity:

Chester-area historical tornado activity is slightly below Iowa state average. It is 56% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 5/15/1968, a category F5 (max. wind speeds 261-318 mph) tornado 2.1 miles away from the Chester city center killed 13 people and injured 462 people and caused between $5,000,000 and $50,000,000 in damages.

On 5/10/1953, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 3.4 miles away from the city center killed 2 people and injured 24 people.

Earthquake activity:

Chester-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Iowa state average. It is 85% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 7/9/1975 at 14:54:15, a magnitude 4.6 (4.6 MB, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 235.7 miles away from Chester center
On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.4 (5.1 MB, 4.8 MS, 5.4 MW, 5.2 MW, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 419.5 miles away from the city center
On 6/28/2004 at 06:10:52, a magnitude 4.2 (4.2 MW, Depth: 6.2 mi) earthquake occurred 225.6 miles away from Chester center
On 6/10/1987 at 23:48:54, a magnitude 5.1 (4.9 MB, 4.4 MS, 4.6 MS, 5.1 LG) earthquake occurred 398.2 miles away from Chester center
On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.2 (5.2 MW, Depth: 8.9 mi) earthquake occurred 419.5 miles away from the city center
On 6/5/1993 at 01:24:53, a magnitude 4.1 (4.1 LG, Depth: 6.2 mi) earthquake occurred 245.5 miles away from Chester center
Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters:

The number of natural disasters in Howard County (20) is greater than the US average (15).
Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 17
Emergencies Declared: 1

Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 16, Storms: 15, Tornadoes: 9, Winds: 3, Heavy Rain: 1, Hurricane: 1, Winter Storm: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).
Chester topographic map

Hospitals and medical centers near Chester:

  • OSTRANDER CARE AND REHAB (Nursing Home, about 10 miles away; OSTRANDER, MN)
  • PATTY ELWOOD CENTER (Nursing Home, about 12 miles away; CRESCO, IA)
  • RICEVILLE FAMILY CARE AND THERAPY CENTER (Nursing Home, about 14 miles away; RICEVILLE, IA)
  • SPRING VALLEY CARE CENTER (Nursing Home, about 15 miles away; SPRING VALLEY, MN)
  • REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES OF HOWARD COUNTY Critical Access Hospitals (about 15 miles away; CRESCO, IA)
  • EVANS MEMORIAL HOME (Nursing Home, about 15 miles away; CRESCO, IA)
  • CRESCO CARE CENTER (Nursing Home, about 15 miles away; CRESCO, IA)

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Chester:

  • Luther College (about 31 miles; Decorah, IA; Full-time enrollment: 2,700)
  • Northeast Iowa Community College-Calmar (about 34 miles; Calmar, IA; FT enrollment: 3,365)
  • Riverland Community College (about 35 miles; Austin, MN; FT enrollment: 2,321)
  • Rochester Community and Technical College (about 37 miles; Rochester, MN; FT enrollment: 4,444)
  • North Iowa Area Community College (about 46 miles; Mason City, IA; FT enrollment: 2,235)
  • Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (about 51 miles; Winona, MN; FT enrollment: 4,022)
  • Winona State University (about 53 miles; Winona, MN; FT enrollment: 8,397)

Points of interest:

Click to draw/clear city borders

Notable locations in Chester: Chester Grain Incorporated Elevator (A), Rich Incorporated Elevator (B), Chester Fire Department (C), Chester City Hall (D). Display/hide their locations on the map

Churches in Chester include: United Lutheran Church (A), Methodist Church (B). Display/hide their locations on the map

Howard County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Chester and their reported violations in the past:

CHESTER WATER SUPPLY (Population served: 127, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • 2 routine major monitoring violations
Average household size:
This city:

2.0 people
Iowa:

2.4 people

Percentage of family households:
This city:

56.2%
Whole state:

64.7%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners:
This city:

6.2%
Whole state:

6.7%


Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households)
  • Lesbian couples: 1.6% of all households
  • Gay men: 0.0% of all households

For population 15 years and over in Chester:

Marital status in Chester, IA
  • Never married: 26.9%
  • Now married: 51.8%
  • Separated: 0.0%
  • Widowed: 5.0%
  • Divorced: 16.2%

For population 25 years and over in Chester:

  • High school or higher: 90.9%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 8.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 0.0%
  • Mean travel time to work (commute): 18.0 minutes
Educational Attainment in 2022
School Enrollment by Level of School in 2022
Education Gini index (Inequality in education)
Here:

7.5
Iowa average:

10.5

Presidential Elections Results

Graphs represent county-level data. Detailed 2008 Election Results

Religion statistics for Chester, IA (based on Howard County data)

Religions Adherents in 2010
Religions Adherents - Change between 2000 and 2010
ReligionAdherentsCongregations
Catholic3,9305
Mainline Protestant2,91414
Evangelical Protestant1,1048
Other2-
None1,616-
Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics:

Number of grocery stores: 3
Howard County:

3.15 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

2.14 / 10,000 pop.
Number of convenience stores (no gas): 2
This county:

2.10 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

0.43 / 10,000 pop.
Number of convenience stores (with gas): 7
Howard County:

7.36 / 10,000 pop.
State:

5.55 / 10,000 pop.
Number of full-service restaurants: 11
This county:

11.56 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

8.01 / 10,000 pop.
Adult diabetes rate:
Here:

8.3%
Iowa:

7.8%
Adult obesity rate:
Howard County:

27.1%
Iowa:

27.3%
Low-income preschool obesity rate:
This county:

15.9%
Iowa:

14.5%

Health and Nutrition:

Healthy diet rate:
Chester:

66.0%
Iowa:

49.5%

Average overall health of teeth and gums:
Here:

67.1%
Iowa:

46.1%

Average BMI:
This city:

26.9
Iowa:

28.6

People feeling badly about themselves:
Chester:

16.7%
Iowa:

21.4%

People not drinking alcohol at all:
This city:

9.0%
Iowa:

10.4%

Average hours sleeping at night:
This city:

7.4
State:

6.8

Overweight people:
This city:

36.9%
Iowa:

33.8%

General health condition:
This city:

68.6%
Iowa:

55.9%

Average condition of hearing:
This city:

82.3%
Iowa:

77.7%

More about Health and Nutrition of Chester, IA Residents
Local government employment and payroll (March 2022)
Function Full-time employees Monthly full-time payroll Average yearly full-time wage Part-time employees Monthly part-time payroll
Other Government Administration 0$0 6$143
Streets and Highways 0$0 1$118
Sewerage 0$0 2$613
Water Supply 0$0 2$613
Financial Administration 0$0 1$966
Totals for Government 0$0 12$2,454

Chester government finances - Expenditure in 2017 (per resident):

  • Construction - Water Utilities: $4,000 ($28.99)
  • Current Operations - Parks and Recreation: $94,000 ($681.16)
    Regular Highways: $24,000 ($173.91)
    Water Utilities: $8,000 ($57.97)
    Solid Waste Management: $7,000 ($50.72)
    General - Other: $7,000 ($50.72)
    Local Fire Protection: $6,000 ($43.48)
    Financial Administration: $5,000 ($36.23)
    General Public Buildings: $3,000 ($21.74)
    Central Staff Services: $2,000 ($14.49)
    Health - Other: $1,000 ($7.25)
    Police Protection: $1,000 ($7.25)
  • General - Interest on Debt: $3,000 ($21.74)
  • Intergovernmental to Local - Other - Police Protection: $1,000 ($7.25)
  • Total Salaries and Wages: $13,000 ($94.20)

Chester government finances - Revenue in 2017 (per resident):

  • Charges - Sewerage: $10,000 ($72.46)
    Solid Waste Management: $8,000 ($57.97)
  • Local Intergovernmental - Other: $16,000 ($115.94)
  • Miscellaneous - Rents: $8,000 ($57.97)
    General Revenue - Other: $3,000 ($21.74)
    Interest Earnings: $1,000 ($7.25)
  • Revenue - Water Utilities: $13,000 ($94.20)
  • State Intergovernmental - Highways: $9,000 ($65.22)
    General Local Government Support: $1,000 ($7.25)
  • Tax - Property: $35,000 ($253.62)
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $16,000 ($115.94)

Chester government finances - Debt in 2017 (per resident):

  • Long Term Debt - Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $75,000 ($543.48)
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $75,000 ($543.48)

Chester government finances - Cash and Securities in 2017 (per resident):

  • Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $122,000 ($884.06)
  • Sinking Funds - Cash and Securities: $30,000 ($217.39)

Strongest AM radio stations in Chester:

  • KOLM (1520 AM; 10 kW; ROCHESTER, MN; Owner: OLMSTED COUNTY BROADCASTING COMPANY)
  • WCTS (1030 AM; 50 kW; MAPLEWOOD, MN; Owner: CNTL. BAPT. THEO/AL SEMI MINNEAPOLIS)
  • KFAN (1130 AM; 50 kW; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Owner: AMFM RADIO LICENSES, L.L.C.)
  • KNFX (970 AM; 5 kW; AUSTIN, MN; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)
  • KXEL (1540 AM; 50 kW; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)
  • WCCO (830 AM; 50 kW; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Owner: INFINITY MEDIA CORPORATION)
  • KWEB (1270 AM; 5 kW; ROCHESTER, MN; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)
  • KFIL (1060 AM; daytime; 1 kW; PRESTON, MN; Owner: KFIL, INC.)
  • KSTP (1500 AM; 50 kW; ST. PAUL, MN; Owner: KSTP-AM, LLC (DELAWARE))
  • WHO (1040 AM; 50 kW; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)
  • KTIS (900 AM; 25 kW; MINNEAPOLIS, MN; Owner: NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE)
  • WKTY (580 AM; 5 kW; LA CROSSE, WI; Owner: FAMILY RADIO, INC.)
  • WSPT (1010 AM; 50 kW; STEVENS POINT, WI)

Strongest FM radio stations in Chester:

  • KROC-FM (106.9 FM; ROCHESTER, MN; Owner: SOUTHERN MINNESOTA BROADCASTING CO.)
  • KCZQ (102.3 FM; CRESCO, IA; Owner: MEGA MEDIA, LTD.)
  • KVGO (104.3 FM; SPRING VALLEY, MN; Owner: KVGO, INC.)
  • KFIL-FM (103.1 FM; PRESTON, MN; Owner: KFIL, INC.)
  • KYBA (105.3 FM; STEWARTVILLE, MN; Owner: SOUTHERN MINNESOTA BROADCASTING CO)
  • KOEL-FM (92.3 FM; OELWEIN, IA; Owner: CUMULUS LICENSING CORP.)
  • KNXR (97.5 FM; ROCHESTER, MN; Owner: UNITED AUDIO CORPORATION)
  • KLSE-FM (91.7 FM; ROCHESTER, MN; Owner: MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO)
  • KZSE (90.7 FM; ROCHESTER, MN; Owner: MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO)
  • KAUS-FM (99.9 FM; AUSTIN, MN; Owner: THREE EAGLES OF LUVERNE, INC.)
  • KVIK (104.7 FM; DECORAH, IA; Owner: WENNES COMMUNICATIONS STATIONS, INC.)
  • KDEC-FM (100.5 FM; DECORAH, IA; Owner: DECORAH BROADCASTING, INC.)

TV broadcast stations around Chester:

  • KTTC (Channel 10; ROCHESTER, MN; Owner: KTTC TELEVISION, INC.)
  • KSMQ-TV (Channel 15; AUSTIN, MN; Owner: INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT #492)
  • KYIN (Channel 24; MASON CITY, IA; Owner: IOWA PUBLIC BROADCASTING BOARD)
  • KIMT (Channel 3; MASON CITY, IA; Owner: MEDIA GENERAL BROADCASTING OF SO. CAROLINA HOLDINGS, INC.)
  • KXLT-TV (Channel 47; ROCHESTER, MN; Owner: SHOCKLEY BROADCASTING, LLC)
  • KAAL (Channel 6; AUSTIN, MN; Owner: KAAL-TV, LLC)

Chester fatal accident list:

Aug 17, 2013 01:25 AM, Us-63, Lat: 43.498761, Lon: -92.367647, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 4, Fatalities: 1, Drunk persons involved: 1
Jan 27, 2007 03:20 PM, Us-63, Church St, Lat: 43.489331, Lon: -92.355972, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 6, Fatalities: 1
Feb 27, 2000 07:44 PM, Minnesota St, Vehicles: 1, Persons: 1, Fatalities: 1
Nov 22, 1978 07:40 PM, Vehicles: 2, Persons: 7, Fatalities: 2
  • National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics
  • 11Number of bridges
  • 102ft / 30.8mTotal length
  • 4,290Total average daily traffic
  • 964Total average daily truck traffic
  • 4,290Total future (year 2038) average daily traffic
New bridges in Chester, IA - historical statistics
  • New bridges - historical statistics
  • 1Before 1900
  • 11940-1949
  • 11970-1979
  • 21980-1989
  • 11990-1999
  • 12000-2009
  • 22010-2019
  • 22020-2022
See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Chester, IA

FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers:

1
  • CHESTER, Community Water Tank (Lat: 43.490639 Lon: -92.361972), Type: Tank, Structure height: 42.4 m, Overall height: 48.5 m, Call Sign: WQMC213,
    Assigned Frequencies: 458.437 MHz, Grant Date: 03/28/2020, Expiration Date: 06/23/2030, Certifier: Mike Miner, Registrant: Gj Therkelsen And Associates, 3716 Talero Curve, Chaska, MN 55318, Phone: (952) 946-1839, Fax: (952) 946-1839, Email:


FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses:

1
  • Call Sign: WB9EUM, Licensee ID: L01649923, Grant Date: 06/29/2021, Expiration Date: 07/13/2031, Registrant: Alan J Schroeder, 8241 River Rd, Chester, IA 52134


FAA Registered Aircraft:

4
  • Aircraft: MCKENNA GLEN R ZENITH CH 701 (Category: Land, Seats: 2, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds), Engine: JABIRU 2200 (85 HP) (4 Cycle)
    N-Number: 107GM, N107GM, N-107GM, Serial Number: 7-5314, Year manufactured: 2010, Airworthiness Date: 09/10/2010, Certificate Issue Date: 05/19/2010
    Registrant (Individual): Glen R Mckenna, 6241 25th St, Chester, IA 52134
  • Aircraft: ZENITH ZENITH 601XL (Category: Land, Seats: 2, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds), Engine: LYCOMING O-235-L2C (118 HP) (4 Cycle)
    N-Number: 252SF, N252SF, N-252SF, Serial Number: 66285, Year manufactured: 2007, Airworthiness Date: 10/03/2007, Certificate Issue Date: 05/23/2019
    Registrant (Individual): Glen R Mckenna, 6241 25th St, Chester, IA 52134
  • Aircraft: AIR TRACTOR INC AT-401 (Category: Land, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds), Engine: P&W R1340 SERIES (600 HP) (Reciprocating)
    N-Number: 9186J, N9186J, N-9186J, Serial Number: 401-0912, Year manufactured: 1993, Airworthiness Date: 04/14/1993, Certificate Issue Date: 08/07/2012
    Registrant (Corporation): Swancutt Aviation Inc, 6452 25th St, Chester, IA 52134
  • Aircraft: PIPER PA-28-140 (Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 107 mph), Engine: LYCOMING 0-320 SERIES (180 HP) (Reciprocating)
    N-Number: 5752U, N5752U, N-5752U, Serial Number: 28-26575, Year manufactured: 1969, Airworthiness Date: 11/05/1969, Certificate Issue Date: 04/14/1997
    Registrant (Individual): Alan J Schroeder, 8241 River Rd, Chester, IA 52134
    Deregistered: Cancel Date: 10/31/2020

Houses and condos Apartments
Most commonly used house heating fuel in houses and condos in Chester, IA
  • 70.4%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 14.8%Electricity
  • 7.4%Fuel oil, kerosene, etc.
  • 3.7%Wood
  • 3.7%Other fuel
Most commonly used house heating fuel in apartments in Chester, IA
  • 100.0%Electricity


Chester compared to Iowa state average:

  • Median house value below state average.
  • Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.
  • Black race population percentage significantly below state average.
  • Hispanic race population percentage significantly below state average.
  • Median age above state average.
  • Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.
  • Length of stay since moving in significantly above state average.
  • House age significantly above state average.
  • Percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher significantly below state average.
There are no pilots and 2 other airmen in this city.
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