Median Income
$41,024
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,900
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
135/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.2%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$713
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.8%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Chaffee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,039
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density1,688/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$41,024
Per Capita$28,213
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty10.3%
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,900
Rent$713
Ownership65.3%
Zillow$156,717
Housing Units1,344
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
F
Violent135/100K
Property877/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault135/100K
Burglary169/100K
Health
Obesity35.8%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking18.2%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain47.0 in/yr
Sunny Days251/yr
Elevation344 ft (105 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.2%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+8.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute23 min
Broadband71.4%
EV Stations1
Is Chaffee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chaffee receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Chaffee offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chaffee is $41,024, 45% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chaffee is $120,900, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Chaffee is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 877 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
22.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Chaffee enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 251 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Chaffee has a population of 3,039 with a density of 1,688 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.7% female and 43.3% male. The city is predominantly White (87.5%), with 4.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Chaffee is $41,024, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,213 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,024 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,213 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Chaffee is $120,900, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,717, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $713 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,344 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,900 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $156,717 |
| Median List Price | $118,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $118,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $139 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $713 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,344 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
In Chaffee, 35.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 31.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Chaffee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.8% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.5% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 57.8% |
Food & Exercise
Chaffee has a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 135.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 877 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 675, burglary at 169, vehicle theft at 34 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Chaffee receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chaffee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 135.0/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 135.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 877.2/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| Burglary | 168.7/100K |
| Theft | 674.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 33.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chaffee enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 251 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 47.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 344 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.9°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 251 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 344 ft (105 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,688/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.1801°N, 89.6551°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Cape Girardeau Regional (CGI) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.0"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.00"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
382 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
5 km |
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
69 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
46 km |
| Jun 6, 2003 |
1 km NE of Bardwell, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
67 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
116 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
139 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
140 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
148 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
4 km SSE of Bertrand, Missouri |
M3.9 |
40 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
110 km |
| Mar 2, 2010 |
2 km ENE of East Prairie, Missouri |
M3.7 |
51 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
118 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
113 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
4 km WSW of Blandville, Kentucky |
M3.6 |
65 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
105 km |
| Mar 15, 2017 |
9 km ESE of Wyatt, Missouri |
M3.6 |
58 km |
| Jan 8, 1993 |
6 km WSW of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
576 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 113 fatalities, 1,426 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
90 km |
57 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF4 |
56 km |
2 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
83 km |
10 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 22, 1969 |
EF4 |
100 km |
4 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
60 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2021 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2016 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
70 km |
3 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| May 6, 2003 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WYLIE KING 1 (6,077 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
92 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
75 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,627 |
38 km |
| 2019 |
ATWOOD RIDGE RX |
1,622 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,510 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
ESSMAN SPRING RX |
1,495 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,334 |
27 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
74 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,257 |
30 km |
| 2021 |
OZARK HILL PRAIRIE RX |
1,235 |
30 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
1,232 |
88 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
PINE HOLLOW RX |
1,038 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX |
1,011 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
BEAN RIDGE RX |
955 |
26 km |
| 2021 |
MILL CREEK RX |
898 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Chaffee has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Chaffee. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaffee
What is the population of Chaffee?
Chaffee has a population of 3,039 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,688 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.7% female and 43.3% male.
Is Chaffee expensive to live in?
Chaffee is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,024, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,900 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $713 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chaffee safe?
Chaffee is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 135 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 877 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chaffee receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chaffee?
Chaffee enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 251 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.0 inches, with 3.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Chaffee?
Chaffee has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chaffee?
The median home value in Chaffee is $120,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,717. For renters, the median monthly rent is $713. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.3%.
How are the schools in Chaffee?
Schools in Chaffee score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.2% of adults in Chaffee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 8.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chaffee?
The obesity rate in Chaffee is 35.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 31.5% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Chaffee?
The average commute in Chaffee is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chaffee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chaffee is 87.5% White, 4.7% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 85.4% have health insurance coverage.