Iowa
Chariton is a small town in Iowa with a population of 4,235. Residents earn $52,109 per year, which is 31% below the national average.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 5.7/10.
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. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches, including 24.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 94.2% |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 5.8% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $52,109 |
| 31% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $27,795 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $975 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,757 |
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 20.1% |
| 62% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 252 |
| County GDP | $362M |
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 30 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,364 |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.18% |
| Commute Time | 15.1 min |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
| Census Median | $84,200 |
| 70% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,223 |
| Census Median Rent | $716 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,364 |
| 25% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 5.18% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.8% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,105/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 37.3 inches |
| 2% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 24.1 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,040 ft (317 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,123/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0174°N, 93.3096°W |
| County FIPS | 19117 |
Winner: Republican by 48.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 12.6% |
| 63% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 93.0% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,123/sq mi |
| Total Area | 3.8 sq mi |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Retail Stores | 30 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 15.1 min |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |