Living in Challis, Idaho
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Challis · Census data 2020–2024
Challis has 854 residents with a median age of 48.4. The median household income is $40,750 (48% lower than the Idaho median), the median home value is $176,400, the median rent is $539/month.
Challis is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Challis at a glance
- Population
- 854
- Median age
- 48.4State: 37.3
- Median household income
- $40,750State: $77,800
- Median home value
- $176,400State: $418,600
- Median rent
- $539/moState: $1,238
- Homeowners
- 59.2%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 18.4%
- Average commute
- 13 min
Is Challis a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 58% lower than the state median; an average commute of 13 minutes; unemployment of 1.2%.
Cons: Median household income 48% lower than the Idaho median; a poverty rate of 21.3%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Challis
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Challis the median home value is $176,400, 47% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $539 per month, which is 19.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $896 a month in housing costs.
Challis median household income
The median household income in Challis is $40,750 and the income per person is $23,689. 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line (Idaho: 10.6%).
Housing in Challis: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 549
- Owner-occupied
- 59.2%
- Renter-occupied
- 40.8%
- Vacant
- 31.3%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1979
- Average household size
- 2.08
31.3% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Challis has many vacation and second homes.
Challis demographics
- Population
- 854
- Median age
- 48.4
- Under 18
- 19.6%
- 65 and older
- 22.8%
- Households
- 377
- Foreign-born
- 3%
- Veterans
- 19.5%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Challis ›
Education in Challis
18.4% of adults 25 and older in Challis have a bachelor's degree or higher (Idaho: 31.8%), and 0.8% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Challis
- Unemployment rate
- 1.2%State: 3.7%
- Average commute
- 13 minState: 22 min
- Work from home
- 20.4%
- Drive alone
- 37.1%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 3.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 72.9%
Challis vs nearby towns
More for people moving to Challis
Challis ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Challis: FAQ
What is the median household income in Challis, ID?
The median household income in Challis is $40,750, 48% lower than the Idaho median of $77,800 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Challis?
The median home value in Challis is $176,400, compared with $418,600 in Idaho.
How much is rent in Challis?
The median gross rent in Challis is $539 per month, about 19.8% of household income.
Is Challis, ID a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 58% lower than the state median; an average commute of 13 minutes; unemployment of 1.2%. Minuses: median household income 48% lower than the Idaho median; a poverty rate of 21.3%.
What is the median age in Challis?
The median age in Challis is 48.4 years (Idaho: 37.3).
How long is the commute in Challis?
The average commute to work in Challis is 13 minutes; 20.4% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Challis?
The unemployment rate in Challis is 1.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Challis?
18.4% of adults in Challis have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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