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Chalk River, ON

Ontario

Chalk River is a small town in Ontario with a population of 1,025. Residents earn $82,573 per year, which is 10% above the national average.

Data updated June 2026

3.4 /5.0
B Good
1,025 Population 53/sq mi density
$82,573 Median Income $47,716 per capita
$461,770 Home Value
$1,012 Median Rent 27.7% income on rent
39°F Avg Temperature 273 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.4 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.8 / 5.0
$82,573 median income, 5.1% unemployment
B+
Affordability
3.5 / 5.0
$461,770 home value, $1,012/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
B+
Education
3.6 / 5.0
32.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Chalk River, ON

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $82,573
10% higher than US avg
Home Value $461,770
64% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,012
13% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.1%
42% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 13.5%
9% higher than US avg

How Chalk River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population1,025
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density53/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%

Economy

B+
Median Income$82,573
Per Capita$47,716
Unemployment5.1%
Poverty13.5%
Commute27 min

Housing

B+
Home Value$461,770
Rent$1,012
Ownership66.5%
Housing Units410
Rent Burden27.7%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
Rain34.6 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation522 ft (159 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+17.0%

Community

Commute27 min

Is Chalk River a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Chalk River receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Chalk River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Chalk River is $82,573, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Chalk River is $461,770, making it a premium housing market at 64% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,012 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Chalk River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.6 inches, including 11.9 inches of snow.

Chalk River has a population of 1,025 with a density of 53 people per square mile, spread across 19.4 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%), with 3.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82% of residents, while 6.1% speak Spanish.

Population

1,025
Total Population
53
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
19.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.7%
Female 50.3%

Race & Ethnicity

Chalk River vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 82.0%
4% above US avg
Spanish 6.1%
54% below US avg
Other Languages 11.9%

Social Characteristics

Chalk River vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Chalk River is $82,573, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,716 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $918, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 32 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 23.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Chalk River vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$82,573
10% above US avg
Per Capita Income$47,716
Avg Weekly Wage$918

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.1%
42% above US avg
Poverty Rate13.5%
9% above US avg
Establishments (County)32

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time26.6 min
Drive Alone83.6%
Public Transit1.0%
Work from Home23.8%

Walkability

The median home value in Chalk River is $461,770, 64% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,012 (13% below the national average of $1,163). 66.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 410 total housing units in the city. 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$461,770
64% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,012
13% below US avg
Rent Burden27.7%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership66.5%
Owner-Occupied66.5%
Renter-Occupied33.5%
Housing Units410

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Chalk River receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Chalk River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Chalk River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 273 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 34.6 inches. The area receives 11.9 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 522 feet.

Temperature

9°F Jan (-13°C) 66°F Jul (19°C)
Annual Average39.4°F
27% below US avg
January Average9°F (-13°C)
July Average66°F (19°C)
Sunny Days273 days/yr

Geography

Elevation522 ft (159 m)
Area19.4 sq mi (50.3 km²)
Population Density53/sq mi
Coordinates46.0168°N, 77.4495°W
TimezoneAmerica/Toronto

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 34.6"
9% below US avg
Snowfall 11.9"
Wettest Month (Sep) 3.50"
Driest Month (Feb) 1.85"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

51 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Jul 8, 2023.

May 17, 2013 20 km NNE of Shawville, Canada M5.1 90 km
Jan 1, 2000 17 km NNE of Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Canada M4.7 149 km
Jun 16, 1991 78 km NW of Saint-Boniface, Canada M4.5 124 km
Oct 12, 2003 63 km NNW of Saint-Boniface, Canada M4.2 138 km
Mar 19, 2001 65 km NNW of Saint-Boniface, Canada M3.9 146 km
Mar 6, 1991 49 km NNW of Fort-Coulonge, Canada M3.9 53 km
Sep 7, 2002 southern Quebec, Canada M3.7 137 km
Feb 26, 1998 33 km SW of Saint-Raphaël, Canada M3.7 84 km
May 17, 2013 20 km NNE of Shawville, Canada M3.6 90 km
Oct 20, 2013 34 km SSW of Petawawa, Canada M3.6 45 km
Mar 29, 2011 66 km NE of Deep River, Canada M3.5 72 km
May 14, 2016 8 km NW of Petawawa, Canada M3.5 10 km
Oct 10, 1995 southern Quebec, Canada M3.5 111 km
May 28, 2002 11 km WNW of Shawville, Canada M3.4 77 km
Mar 31, 2005 27 km ESE of Maniwaki, Canada M3.4 142 km
Jun 3, 1995 southern Quebec, Canada M3.4 143 km
Jan 6, 2007 61 km NNW of Saint-Boniface, Canada M3.3 146 km
Aug 27, 2021 55 km NW of Saint-Boniface, Canada M3.3 118 km
May 2, 2015 12 km NE of Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Canada M3.3 145 km
Jul 4, 2005 45 km NNW of Fort-Coulonge, Canada M3.3 50 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 15.0 m (49 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1908 NOTRE DAME DE LA SALETTE Meteorological 15.0 m 33 146 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 9°F (-13°C) 2.2 in Coldest
February 12°F (-11°C) 1.9 in Driest
March 23°F (-5°C) 2.3 in
April 38°F (3°C) 2.5 in
May 52°F (11°C) 3.3 in
June 61°F (16°C) 3.4 in
July 66°F (19°C) 3.4 in Warmest
August 64°F (18°C) 3.4 in
September 56°F (13°C) 3.5 in Wettest
October 44°F (7°C) 3.3 in
November 32°F (0°C) 3.0 in
December 17°F (-8°C) 2.5 in

Chalk River has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 9°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.5") and February the driest (1.9").

View full weather details →
32.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 2% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). 83.6% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+32.9%
2% below US avg
High School+87.4%
Graduate Degree+17.0%
B+ Education Grade (3.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density53/sq mi
Total Area19.4 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute26.6 min
Drive Alone83.6%
Public Transit1.0%
Work from Home23.8%

Schools in Chalk River

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
St. Anthony's Catholic School - - - -
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Chalk River

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
CIMY-FM 104.9 "MyFM" Pembroke, ON adult contemporary AAC+ 31 kbps

Museums in Chalk River

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Canadian Nuclear Heritage Museum
CFB Petawawa Military Museum & Canadian Airborne Forces Museum
Petawawa Heritage Village

Libraries in Chalk River

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Deep River Public Library0.0
Laurentian Hills Public Library - Chalk River Branch0.0
Laurentian Hills Public Library - Point Alexander Branch0.0
Petawawa Public Library0.0

Monuments in Chalk River

1 monuments within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

War

Gas Stations in Chalk River

2 gas stations within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Mr Gas
Ultramar

Ski Resorts Near Chalk River

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Madawaska Mountain 0.0 - - $0 - - -

Airports Near Chalk River

8 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Pembroke AirportYTAMedium Airport
Aérodrome Nilgaut-Small Airport
Bonnechere Soaring Aerodrome-Small Airport
Bonnie Brae Airfield-Small Airport
Bruce McPhail Memorial Airport-Small Airport
Collins Field-Small Airport
Madawaska Valley Airpark-Small Airport
Rolph Airport-Small Airport

Post Offices in Chalk River

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Chalk River Post Office

Churches & Religious Organizations in Chalk River

2 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church

Explore Near Chalk River

UFO Sightings
1
Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database
View all →
Waterfalls
1
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Chalk River.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chalk River

What is the population of Chalk River?

Chalk River has a population of 1,025 residents and is located in Ontario. The population density is 53 people per square mile, spread across 19.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.

Is Chalk River expensive to live in?

The median household income is $82,573, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $461,770 (64% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,012 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

Is Chalk River safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chalk River receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Chalk River?

Chalk River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.6 inches, with 11.9 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Chalk River?

The unemployment rate in Chalk River is 5.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $918. There are 32 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 23.8% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Chalk River?

The median home value in Chalk River is $461,770. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,012. The homeownership rate is 66.5%.

How are the schools in Chalk River?

32.9% of adults in Chalk River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 17.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Chalk River?

The average commute in Chalk River is 27 minutes. 83.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.8% work from home.

What are the demographics of Chalk River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chalk River is 94.3% White, 1% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian. 82% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.1% speak Spanish.

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