Median Income
$52,109
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,200
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
236/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.6%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$716
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.1%
62% higher than US avg
How Chariton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,235
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density1,123/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,109
Per Capita$27,795
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty20.1%
County GDP$362M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,200
Rent$716
Ownership67.6%
Zillow$157,223
Housing Units1,946
Rent Burden26.2%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property2,973/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault189/100K
Burglary661/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking20.4%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,040 ft (317 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.6%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute15 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Chariton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chariton receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Chariton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chariton is $52,109, 31% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 20.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chariton is $84,200, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $716 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Chariton is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,973 per 100,000, 52% above the national average.
Education
12.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Chariton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches, including 24.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Chariton has a population of 4,235 with a density of 1,123 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.2% of residents, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.2%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.8%
57% below US avg
The median household income in Chariton is $52,109, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,795 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $975, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 252 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,109 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,795 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $975 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,757 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.1% |
| 62% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 252 |
| County GDP | $362M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,364 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Chariton is $84,200, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,223, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $716 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,946 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,364 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,200 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,223 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $716 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,946 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,364 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.18% |
In Chariton, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.5% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.4% report binge drinking. 28.8% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:968. The dentist ratio is 1:2,172. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chariton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.8% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:968 |
| Dentists | 1:2,172 |
| Mental Health | 1:875 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 54.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,105/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Chariton has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 188.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 47.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,973 per 100,000, 52% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,076, burglary at 661, vehicle theft at 236 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chariton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chariton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 236.0/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 47.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 188.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,973.1/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
| Burglary | 660.7/100K |
| Theft | 2,076.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 236.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 27 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chariton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 37.3 inches. The area receives 24.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,040 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,040 ft (317 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,123/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0174°N, 93.3096°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lucas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.3"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 11, 1995.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
150 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
553 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 253 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
79 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
11 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Chariton has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 38.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Chariton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $680 |
| Toddler | $586 |
| Preschool | $586 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $451 |
| Preschool | $451 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chariton
What is the population of Chariton?
Chariton has a population of 4,235 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,123 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Chariton expensive to live in?
Chariton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,109, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,200 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $716 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chariton safe?
Chariton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,973 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chariton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chariton?
Chariton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.3 inches, with 24.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Chariton?
Chariton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $975. There are 252 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chariton?
The median home value in Chariton is $84,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,223. For renters, the median monthly rent is $716. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,364.
How are the schools in Chariton?
Schools in Chariton score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.6% of adults in Chariton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chariton?
The obesity rate in Chariton is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 28.8% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 63.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:968.
What is transportation like in Chariton?
The average commute in Chariton is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chariton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chariton is 94.5% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 94.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 20.4% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
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