RANK #396 / 996 · POP 536,474 · PA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.2%
Kennett Square, known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World," stands out as a distinctive town in Chester County, Pennsylvania, producing a significant portion of the nation's mushroom crop. Located in southeastern Pennsylvania, approximately 40 miles west of Philadelphia, Chester County offers a blend of suburban and rural living. Commute times to Philadelphia are typically around 45 minutes, with public transportation options including SEPTA Regional Rail and bus services. The county features rolling hills, farmland, and extensive green spaces, including Marsh Creek State Park and Valley Forge National Historical Park, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, and boating.
Life in Chester County is characterized by a high quality of life, with residents often citing the area as an excellent place to live and raise a family. The public school districts in Chester County are highly rated, contributing to its appeal for families. The economy is diverse, with strong sectors in healthcare, professional and technical services, and finance. Recent economic developments show continued investment in technology and data infrastructure, reflecting a broader trend of growth in these areas.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.7x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
1547 Critical Systems Realty Data Center Campus
1547 Critical Systems Realty / Green Fig Land Company
|
$1,000M | Under Construction |
|
Toll Brothers at West Vincent Township (46 single-family homes)
Toll Brothers
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Chester County Government Capital Projects (various)
Chester County Government
|
$44M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Chester County has a Boom Town Index score of 60/100, ranking #396 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.1% and a median household income of $118,574, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Chester County is $435,000 with median rent at $1,601/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2726, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.1%. Home values changed +2.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.68% of Chester County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.