Chester on the map
Built-up area24.4 km² (9.4 sq mi)
Location in CheshireChester sits where the marker shows within the county.
About Chester
Chester is a historic city in Cheshire, England, known for its well-preserved Roman walls and medieval architecture. The city centre features a mix of ancient and modern buildings, with the Roman amphitheatre and Chester Cathedral being notable landmarks. The River Dee flows through the city, offering scenic views and walking paths along its banks. The city is easily accessible, with a railway station providing regular services to nearby towns and cities. Chester is also home to several museums and galleries, including the Grosvenor Museum, which showcases local history and archaeology. The city’s layout is characterised by narrow streets and cobbled lanes, many of which are lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The postcode area CH1 covers the central part of the city and surrounding neighbourhoods.
School Ratings in Chester
Chester is served by 60 schools. A further 9 schools hold a Good rating.
House Prices in Chester
Property prices average £318K across the area, and semi-detached homes are the most common property type, typically selling for £264K.
Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Chester
Local crime rates sit broadly in line with national averages. Public order accounts for the highest share in Chester, with 105 incidents logged in April 2026.
Deprivation and Employment in Chester
Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Chester falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.
Healthcare in Chester
There are 33 GP surgeries within three miles of Chester, the nearest being St Werburgh's Medical Practice Homeless (0.2 miles away).
Local Data for Chester
Dig deeper into the area around Chester with our free postcode tools.
Property Prices 20,727 sales
Schools & Education 12 nearby View all schools
Ofsted ratings for schools in the CH1 postcode area.
Household Income in Chester ONS 2023
The average total household income in Chester is approximately £52,955 a year before tax, 4% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £39,477. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.
Net (after tax) household income averages £39,477.
Businesses in Chester ONS 2025
There are approximately 6,020 active businesses based in Chester, around 42 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 122 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.
Deprivation and Employment in Chester IMD 2025
The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Chester in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.
Crime in Chester 770 crimes · April 2026
Chester experiences crime rates that are roughly comparable to the national picture. Violence & sexual offences is the most reported category, consistent with broader patterns across similar communities. Day-to-day life here reflects the usual mix of challenges found in any established city.
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.
Nearest Train Stations 6 stations
Location
Nearby Towns & Villages 12 found
Local Government
Home Ownership in Chester
Of the 62,749 households in and around Chester, 67% are owned, 14% are socially rented and 19% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.
Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Chester.