Idaho
Challis is a small town in Idaho with a population of 794. Residents earn $50,034 per year, which is 33% below the national average.
Based on current data, Challis 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. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Challis offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Challis is $50,034, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. The poverty rate of 19.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Challis is $168,300, 40% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $635 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Challis is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 93 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,110 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
22.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Challis has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 6.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
| English Only | 93.6% |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 6.4% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $50,034 |
| 33% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $25,310 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $878 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,286 |
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 19.1% |
| 54% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 292 |
| County GDP | $257M |
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.02% |
| Commute Time | 11.0 min |
| Work from Home | 14.5% |
| Census Median | $168,300 |
| 40% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $318,710 |
| Census Median Rent | $635 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.2% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,400 |
| 3% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.02% |
| Obesity | 31.5% |
| 2% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 83.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 71.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,306/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
| Total Violent | 92.5/100K |
| 76% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 92.5/100K |
| Total Property | 1,110.1/100K |
| 43% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 370.0/100K |
| Theft | 740.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 44.4°F |
| 18% below US avg | |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 6.9 inches |
| 82% below US avg |
| AQI Median | 33.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 5,216 ft (1,590 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 403/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5058°N, 114.2283°W |
| County FIPS | 16037 |
Winner: Republican by 53.3 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 22.9% |
| 32% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 90.8% |
| School Test Score | 5.43 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 403/sq mi |
| Total Area | 2.0 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Retail Stores | 27 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 11.0 min |
| Work from Home | 14.5% |