Elections
Chester County, TN, has approximately 9,700 registered voters. The county holds primary, general, and local elections, with polling locations in Henderson and surrounding precincts. In the 2020 presidential election, over 77% voted Republican, 21% Democrat. The Chester County Election Commission administers elections and oversees three main polling sites. Key local issues include education funding and infrastructure. The county is predominantly Republican, with the GOP holding most local offices. Voter turnout in recent elections averages around 62%. Voters may register online, by mail, or in person, with deadlines set 30 days before Election Day.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Chester County, TN had a population of approximately 17,341. The median age was about 36.7 years. The gender distribution was roughly 51% female and 49% male. Racially, the county was 83.2% White, 13.4% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Asian, and 2.7% reporting two or more races. The county reflects a moderately young and predominantly White population with a noticeable Black minority presence.
Education, Employment and Housing
Chester County, TN, hosts approximately 7 public schools, including Chester County High School, serving around 1,300 high school students. The county’s high school graduation rate is about 95%, while 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety initiatives include resource officers in each school. Average standardized test scores generally meet or slightly exceed state averages. Adult education is supported through local programs, with over 150 adults participating annually. Educational programs feature dual-enrollment and career-tech pathways, enhancing student readiness for college and careers.
Chester County, TN, has an employment rate of approximately 57%, with around 7,000 employed residents. Key industries include manufacturing (25%), education and healthcare (20%), and retail trade (12%). The largest occupational groups are production (18%) and office/administrative support (16%). About 80% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 24 minutes; roughly 51% work outside the county, primarily in neighboring Madison County. These figures reflect Chester County's strong manufacturing base and regional commuting trends.
Chester County, TN has a homeownership rate of around 72%, with median home values near $177,000 as of 2023. Rental units comprise about 28% of housing, with median monthly rents around $830. Housing types range from single-family homes to some apartments, with popular neighborhoods in and around Henderson. Property values have risen by about 7% year-over-year, reflecting steady market growth. Chester County’s property tax rate is approximately $1.82 per $100 of assessed value, making it relatively affordable compared to statewide averages.
County Crime & Safety
Chester County, TN, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2023, the violent crime rate was approximately 190 per 100,000 residents, while property crime stood at about 900 per 100,000. Local law enforcement reports indicate a steady or slightly declining trend in both categories since 2021. The sheriff’s office actively encourages community involvement and transparent crime reporting, helping sustain safety initiatives. Overall, Chester County is considered safer than many Tennessee counties, with a strong focus on crime prevention and public awareness efforts.
Popular names
- James Johnson
- Jason Roberts
- William Thompson
- Randy Smith
- Belinda Anderson
- David Gann
- Jerry Morris
- Tracy Turner
- Amy Butler
- Brandon Barham
- Brandon Yelverton
- Charles Smith
- Chava Borner
- Deborah Jones
- Dennis Maness
- Detra Jones
- George Gaffney
- Gregory Williams
- James Smith
- Jason Kelley
- Jennifer Jones
- Jennifer Smith
- John Smith
- Judy Thomas
- Karen Ross
- Kathy Ward
- Kenneth Davis
- Lois Grissom
- Michiel Rudder
- Paul Harris
- Rebecca Watkins
- Robert Allen
- Robert Smith
- Susan Smith
- Tammy Thomas
- Teresa Johnson
- William Arnold
- William Smith
- Yanae Hart
- Adam Cloud
- Akivia Williams
- Alton Duck
- Alviretta Buck
- Amanda Johnson
- Amanda Young
- Amy Carnell
- Ann Moore
- Annette Johnson
- Annie Welch
- Ashley Goff
- Ashley Heaton
- Barbara Patterson
- Barry Smith
- Bobby Helton
- Bonnie Jackson
- Brandon Miller
- Brittany Doucette
- Carolyn Dancy
- Casey Hopper
- Celeste Taylor
Other Counties in Tennessee
- Anderson
- Bedford
- Benton
- Bledsoe
- Blount
- Bradley
- Campbell
- Cannon
- Carroll
- Carter
- Cheatham
- Claiborne
- Clay
- Cocke
- Coffee
- Crockett
- Cumberland
- Davidson
- Decatur
- Dekalb
- Dickson
- Dyer
- Fayette
- Fentress
- Franklin
- Gibson
- Giles
- Grainger
- Greene
- Grundy
- Hamblen
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardeman
- Hardin
- Hawkins
- Haywood
- Henderson
- Henry
- Hickman
- Houston
- Humphreys
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Knox
- Lake
- Lauderdale
- Lawrence
- Lewis