Median Income
$25,500
66% lower than US avg
Home Value
$164,500
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
336/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.2%
79% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
57.5%
364% higher than US avg
How Chain-O-Lakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population136
Median Age60.3 yrs
Density1,700/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans12.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$25,500
Per Capita$15,633
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty57.5%
Commute30 min
Housing
B
Home Value$164,500
Ownership92.6%
Zillow$296,559
Housing Units109
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent336/100K
Property6,748/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking18.6%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.3 in/yr
Sunny Days256/yr
Elevation1,040 ft (317 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.2%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute30 min
Broadband54.0%
EV Stations4
Is Chain-O-Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chain-O-Lakes receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Chain-O-Lakes has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chain-O-Lakes is $25,500, 66% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 57.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chain-O-Lakes is $164,500, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. The price-to-income ratio of 6.5x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Chain-O-Lakes is below the national average at 336 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,748 per 100,000, 244% above the national average.
Education
7.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Chain-O-Lakes enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 256 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Chain-O-Lakes has a population of 136 with a density of 1,700 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 60.3 years, 55% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (80.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.3yrs
Median Age
55% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Chain-O-Lakes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Chain-O-Lakes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Chain-O-Lakes is $25,500, which is 66% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,633 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 57.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 30 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Chain-O-Lakes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $25,500 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,633 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 57.5% |
| 364% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Chain-O-Lakes is $164,500, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,559, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 109 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.5x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $164,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $296,559 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.4% |
| Housing Units | 109 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
In Chain-O-Lakes, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.2% report binge drinking. 29.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Chain-O-Lakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.8% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 66.9% |
| Dental Visits | 42.4% |
Food & Exercise
Chain-O-Lakes has a violent crime rate of 336 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,748 per 100,000, 244% above the U.S. average. Overall, Chain-O-Lakes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chain-O-Lakes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 335.9/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,748.1/100K |
| 244% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chain-O-Lakes enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 256 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.3 inches. The area receives 2.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,040 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 56.7°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 256 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,040 ft (317 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,700/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.5345°N, 93.7249°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Northwest Arkansas Ntl (XNA) 37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.3"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
24 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
68 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
120 km |
| Jun 27, 2000 |
15 km WSW of Marshall, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
114 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
68 km |
| Mar 12, 1990 |
9 km NNE of Briarcliff, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Jul 28, 2016 |
4 km ENE of Dover, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
137 km |
| Apr 3, 2016 |
Arkansas-Oklahoma border region |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Sep 5, 2013 |
17 km W of Dennard, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
127 km |
| Jul 3, 2014 |
6 km S of Yellville, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
102 km |
| Jan 7, 2009 |
10 km WSW of Clinton, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
149 km |
| Nov 26, 1999 |
9 km NNE of Mountain Home, Arkansas |
M2.7 |
123 km |
| Mar 10, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
120 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
56 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
150 km |
| Jun 21, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
67 km |
| May 13, 2015 |
8 km E of Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
82 km |
| Jan 4, 2024 |
13 km E of South Lead Hill, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
87 km |
| May 2, 2001 |
10 km NW of Bakersfield, Missouri |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
543 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 202 fatalities, 1,837 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
96 km |
158 |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
73 km |
2 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
83 km |
3 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
72 km |
4 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
97 km |
3 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
96 km |
4 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
97 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
60 km |
7 |
| Apr 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 6, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (14,774 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,774 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
7,919 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,804 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
7,415 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
7,344 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,686 |
83 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
84 km |
| 2020 |
BIG CREEK |
6,399 |
83 km |
| 2010 |
SPUD ROCK CENTRAL |
6,117 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,537 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
5,504 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,900 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,818 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,724 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
SARAH HOLLOW RX |
4,700 |
98 km |
| 2020 |
CAVE CREEK |
4,263 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
ALEXANDER MOUNTAIN BLOCKS 1 2 5 |
4,214 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
BIG PINEY PARKER RIDGE |
4,133 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
BIG CREEK |
4,031 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| March |
47°F (9°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
38°F (3°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Chain-O-Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 33°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Chain-O-Lakes. 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 Chain-O-Lakes
What is the population of Chain-O-Lakes?
Chain-O-Lakes has a population of 136 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,700 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Chain-O-Lakes expensive to live in?
Chain-O-Lakes 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 $25,500, 66% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $164,500 (42% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 6.5x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Chain-O-Lakes safe?
Chain-O-Lakes is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 336 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,748 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chain-O-Lakes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chain-O-Lakes?
Chain-O-Lakes enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 256 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.3 inches, with 2.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Chain-O-Lakes?
The job market in Chain-O-Lakes is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chain-O-Lakes?
The median home value in Chain-O-Lakes is $164,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,559. The homeownership rate is 92.6%.
How are the schools in Chain-O-Lakes?
Schools in Chain-O-Lakes score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.2% of adults in Chain-O-Lakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chain-O-Lakes?
The obesity rate in Chain-O-Lakes is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 29.8% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Chain-O-Lakes?
The average commute in Chain-O-Lakes is 30 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chain-O-Lakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chain-O-Lakes is 80.9% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.6% of the population are military veterans. 24.8% of residents have a disability. 83.8% have health insurance coverage.