At a Glance
Median Income
$52,109
$27,795 per capita
Home Value
$84,200
Zillow: $162,332
Median Rent
$716/mo
26.2% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
12.6%
93.0% high school+
Unemployment
6.0%
20.1% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
41.1%
20.4% smoking rate
How Chariton Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Chariton's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Chariton a Good Place to Live?
B
3.2 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Chariton residents earn a median household income of $52,109 , which is 31% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $27,795. The unemployment rate stands at 6.0% (67% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 252 business establishments, including 20 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Chariton is $84,200 , 70% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $162,332. Median rent is $716/month, with 26.2% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 87.8 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1961.
Education
12.6% of adults in Chariton hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(63% below the national average).
93.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.3/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Chariton has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C).
Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population4,235
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density1,123/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Foreign Born3.3%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$52,109
Per Capita$27,795
Unemployment6.0%
Poverty20.1%
County GDP$362M
Avg Weekly Wage$975
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,200
Rent$716
Ownership67.6%
Zillow$162,332
Housing Units1,946
Rent Burden26.2%
Health
Obesity41.1%
Diabetes11.3%
Smoking20.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Premature Death9,105/100K
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
Rain37.3 in/yr
Elevation1,040 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.6%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.3/10
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute15 min
Broadband78.0%
Internet Speed57 Mbps
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Did You Know?
Chariton was founded in 1850.
The median home in Chariton was built in 1961.
The nearest airport is Des Moines International (39 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.439 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Very Low" by FEMA.
18.7% of the population has a disability.
The county recorded 1 fatal vehicle crashes.