Living in Chariton, Iowa

Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Chariton · Census data 2020–2024

Chariton has 4,242 residents with a median age of 38.6. The median household income is $46,979 (37% lower than the Iowa median), the median home value is $81,900, the median rent is $689/month.

Chariton at a glance

Population
4,242
Median age
38.6State: 38.6
Median household income
$46,979State: $75,059
Median home value
$81,900State: $208,000
Median rent
$689/moState: $972
Homeowners
64.5%
Bachelor's degree or higher
13.4%
Average commute
16 min

Is Chariton a good place to live?

Pros: Home values 61% lower than the state median; an average commute of 16 minutes.

Cons: Median household income 37% lower than the Iowa median; unemployment of 9.1%; a poverty rate of 17.1%.

The weather is best in June to September.

Cost of living in Chariton

Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Chariton the median home value is $81,900, 75% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $689 per month, which is 25% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,197 a month in housing costs.

Median home value

Chariton$81,900
Iowa$208,000
United States$332,700

Median monthly rent

Chariton$689
Iowa$972
United States$1,413

Chariton median household income

The median household income in Chariton is $46,979 and the income per person is $25,196. 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Iowa: 11.1%).

Median household income

Chariton$46,979
Iowa$75,059
United States$80,734

Housing in Chariton: homes for sale and rent

Housing units
1,924
Owner-occupied
64.5%
Renter-occupied
35.5%
Vacant
5.4%Includes seasonal homes
Median year built
1955
Average household size
2.28

Chariton demographics

Population
4,242
Median age
38.6
Under 18
26%
65 and older
19.8%
Households
1,821
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans
6.4%Adults 18+

Race and ethnicity

White91.3%
Hispanic or Latino5%
Black0.6%
Asian1.5%

Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Chariton ›

Education in Chariton

13.4% of adults 25 and older in Chariton have a bachelor's degree or higher (Iowa: 31.4%), and 5.5% have a graduate or professional degree.

Bachelor's degree or higher

Chariton13.4%
Iowa31.4%
United States35.7%

Jobs and commute in Chariton

Unemployment rate
9.1%State: 3.6%
Average commute
16 minState: 20 min
Work from home
5%
Drive alone
82.3%
Public transit
0%
Walk to work
4.9%
Homes with broadband
81.4%

Chariton vs nearby towns

TownPopulationMedian incomeHome valueRent
Chariton4,242$46,979$81,900$689
Williamson190$45,000—$631
Russell613$44,821$61,500$589
Lucas145$25,500$33,800—
Derby110$56,250$92,500—
Lacona354$70,100$97,500$950
Melrose115$56,250$75,000—
Humeston551$58,836$83,100$542
Melcher-Dallas1,176$58,611$99,800$789

More for people moving to Chariton

Chariton ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›

Living in Chariton: FAQ

What is the median household income in Chariton, IA?

The median household income in Chariton is $46,979, 37% lower than the Iowa median of $75,059 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

What is the average home price in Chariton?

The median home value in Chariton is $81,900, compared with $208,000 in Iowa.

How much is rent in Chariton?

The median gross rent in Chariton is $689 per month, about 25% of household income.

Is Chariton, IA a good place to live?

Pluses: home values 61% lower than the state median; an average commute of 16 minutes. Minuses: median household income 37% lower than the Iowa median; unemployment of 9.1%; a poverty rate of 17.1%.

What is the median age in Chariton?

The median age in Chariton is 38.6 years (Iowa: 38.6).

How long is the commute in Chariton?

The average commute to work in Chariton is 16 minutes; 5% of workers work from home.

What is the unemployment rate in Chariton?

The unemployment rate in Chariton is 9.1% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).

How educated is Chariton?

13.4% of adults in Chariton 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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