Chester, West Virginia Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

by btobers · Published July 2, 2019 · Updated September 5, 2024

Chester, West Virginia is located in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, and is bordered by Ohio and Pennsylvania. It has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The city was founded in 1814, making it one of the oldest towns in the state. Its history is closely tied to the oil and steel industries that were prominent during the 19th century.

The politics of Chester are characterized by a strong sense of local pride and a commitment to protecting its citizens’ rights. It has been represented at the state level by both Democrats and Republicans over the years, with many residents actively engaged in local politics.

Chester’s economy is mainly dependent on manufacturing, particularly steel production. There are several companies located in the city that provide jobs for its citizens. The city also has a vibrant small business sector, with many entrepreneurs setting up shop here.

Schools in Chester include two public high schools as well as several elementary schools and middle schools within the district. The city also has several private schools for students who are looking for an alternative educational experience.

Some of Chester’s most notable landmarks include Historic Fort Henry, which was built during the Civil War; Oglebay Park, which offers visitors outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, golfing; and Mountaineer Racetrack & Gaming Resort for those who wish to try their luck at gaming or horse racing. There are also many historic buildings scattered throughout downtown Chester that serve as reminders of its past legacy.

Population: 2,592. Estimated population in July 2024: 2,436 (-6.0% change)
Males: 1,213 (46.8%), Females: 1,379 (53.2%)

Hancock County

Zip code: 26034

Demographics

Median resident age: 40.4 years
Median household income: $28,550
Median house value: $59,900

Population by Race

Races in Chester:

White Non-Hispanic (97.8%)
Hispanic (1.1%)
Two or more races (0.5%)

Ancestries: German (20.0%), Irish (14.7%), English (14.2%), United States (10.4%), Italian (7.8%), Scotch-Irish (4.6%).

Elevation: 703 feet

Land area: 1.0 square miles

Population by Education

The population of Chester, West Virginia is estimated to be around 2,000 people. This small town is located in Hancock County and is situated along the Ohio River. It is approximately two miles from the Pennsylvania state line and about three miles from the border of Ohio. The majority of the population is white, accounting for nearly 90 percent of the total population. The remainder is made up mostly of African Americans, followed by a small percentage of Native American and Asian peoples. The median age in Chester is 42 years old, with most people being between 25 and 54 years old.

In terms of employment, most residents are employed in manufacturing jobs or related industries such as steel mills and chemical plants that are located nearby. Other sources of employment include retail establishments, service businesses, and healthcare providers. Education levels in Chester are relatively low compared to other parts of West Virginia; however there are several schools in town including a community college that offers both two-year degree programs as well as technical training for those interested in furthering their education. In addition to educational opportunities, there are also plenty of recreational activities available in Chester such as golf courses, parks, museums, and other local attractions that make it a great place to live for all ages.

For population 25 years and over in Chester

High school or higher: 87.8%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.6%
Graduate or professional degree: 3.2%
Unemployed: 6.0%
Mean travel time to work: 19.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Chester city

Never married: 20.1%
Now married: 56.3%
Separated: 2.1%
Widowed: 11.5%
Divorced: 10.0%

1.2% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -385 (-12.9%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Chester:

EAST LIVERPOOL CITY HOSPITAL (about 3 miles; EAST LIVERPOOL, OH)
WEIRTON MEDICAL CENTER (about 14 miles; WEIRTON, WV)
MEDICAL CENTER BEAVE PA (about 18 miles; BEAVER, PA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Chester:

PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL (about 26 miles; PITTSBURGH, PA; Abbreviation: PIT)
YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN REGIONAL (about 45 miles; YOUNGSTOWN/WARREN, OH; Abbreviation: YNG)
ALLEGHENY COUNTY (about 49 miles; PITTSBURGH, PA; Abbreviation: AGC)

Other public-use airports nearest to Chester:

HERRON (about 6 miles; NEW CUMBERLAND, WV; Abbreviation: 7G1)
COLUMBIANA COUNTY (about 7 miles; EAST LIVERPOOL, OH; Abbreviation: 02G)
EDDIE DEW MEMORIAL AIRPARK (about 11 miles; TORONTO, OH; Abbreviation: 1G8)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Chester:

GENEVA COLLEGE (about 19 miles; BEAVER FALLS, PA; Full-time enrollment: 2,059)
ROBERT MORRIS COLLEGE (about 28 miles; MOON TOWNSHIP, PA; Full-time enrollment: 3,426)
WEST LIBERTY STATE COLLEGE (about 31 miles; WEST LIBERTY, WV; Full-time enrollment: 2,453)
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY (about 35 miles; YOUNGSTOWN, OH; Full-time enrollment: 9,726)
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY (about 39 miles; PITTSBURGH, PA; Full-time enrollment: 9,058)
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-MAIN CAMPUS (about 40 miles; PITTSBURGH, PA; Full-time enrollment: 22,930)
DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY (about 40 miles; PITTSBURGH, PA; Full-time enrollment: 8,199)

Public primary/middle schools in Chester:

ALLISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 465; Location: 600 RAILROAD ST; Grades: KG – 06)
OAK GLEN MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 342; Location: 600 INDIANA AVE; Grades: 07 – 08)
OAK GLEN MIDDLE SCHOOL (Location: 600 INDIANA AVE; Grades: N – N )
ALLISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – RECONFIGURED (Location: 600 RAILROAD ST; Grades: N – N )

Libraries

Library in Chester:

LYNN MURRAY MEM PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $64,866; Location: 601 RAILROAD STREET; 16,433 books; 463 audio materials; 87 video materials; 44 serial subscriptions)