Where is Chester, South Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Chester is a city in north-central South Carolina and the county seat of Chester County. It is about 45 miles southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina, and 50 miles north of Columbia. The city is known for its historic downtown, railroad heritage, historic homes, and its location in the rolling Piedmont region.

Location Map of Chester, Chester County, South Carolina

Where is Chester Located in Chester County, South Carolina

About Map: The map shows the location of Chester in Chester County, in the U.S. state of South Carolina.

Chester Map, South Carolina

About Chester Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Chester in Chester County, South Carolina. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Chester Located?

Chester is a city located in Chester County, South Carolina, the United States. It is about 45 miles southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina, and 50 miles north of Columbia, South Carolina. Chester is located at approximately 34.7043° North latitude and 81.2143° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded about 5,209 residents, and the city covers approximately 6.00 square miles (15.54 sq km). Chester developed as an important railroad community in the 19th century, and several historic buildings remain in and around its downtown area. The city was incorporated in 1849 and serves as the county seat of Chester County.

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Chester City Facts

FactDetails
CityChester
StateSouth Carolina
CountyChester County
CountryUnited States
RegionPiedmont / Upstate South Carolina
Incorporated1849
Founded18th century
Total AreaAbout 6.00 sq mi (15.54 sq km)
Land AreaAbout 5.97 sq mi (15.46 sq km)
Water AreaAbout 0.03 sq mi (0.08 sq km)
ElevationAbout 590 ft (180 m)
Population (2020 Census)5,209
Time ZoneEastern Standard Time (EST); Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
ZIP Codes29706
Area Code803, 839
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 72, U.S. Route 321, South Carolina Highway 9, South Carolina Highway 72
Public TransitChester County community transportation services
Major AttractionsHistoric Downtown Chester, Chester County Courthouse, Chester Historic District, Chester State Park
Official Websitehttps://www.chestersc.org/

Distance from Chester, SC to Nearby Cities

  • Great Falls, SC – 15 miles (24 km)
  • York, SC – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Rock Hill, SC – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Union, SC – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Columbia, SC – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Clinton, SC – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Newberry, SC – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Laurens, SC – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Spartanburg, SC – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Greenville, SC – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Charlotte, NC – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Gastonia, NC – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Statesville, NC – 70 miles (113 km)
  • Augusta, GA – 115 miles (185 km)
  • Charleston, SC – 125 miles (201 km)
  • Raleigh, NC – 180 miles (290 km)

Top Attractions in Chester

  • Historic Downtown Chester – Downtown area featuring historic commercial buildings, local businesses, restaurants, and community landmarks.
  • Chester Historic District – Area containing historic homes and buildings that reflect Chester's 19th- and early-20th-century development.
  • Chester County Courthouse – Historic courthouse and important civic landmark in the center of Chester.
  • Chester State Park – Nearby recreation area offering hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and scenic outdoor spaces.
  • Chester County Historical Society Museum – Local museum preserving artifacts and stories from Chester County's past.
  • Olde English District – Regional tourism area highlighting historic communities, cultural sites, outdoor recreation, and heritage attractions in the surrounding Piedmont.
  • Great Falls Canal & Riverfront – Nearby historic and recreational area associated with the Catawba River and early canal development.
  • Andrew Jackson State Park – Nearby historic and recreational park featuring a museum, trails, lake activities, and camping.

Airports Near Chester

  • Chester Catawba Regional Airport (DCM) – 5 miles
  • Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) – 55 miles
  • Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) – 60 miles
  • Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) – 80 miles
  • Rock Hill/York County Airport (UZA) – 30 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Chester website and local government records.

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