Violent Crime
198/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.6%
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
72.0%
481% higher than US avg
How Cherokee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population139
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density79/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans81.0%
Economy
Per Capita$24,104
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty72.0%
County GDP$12,901M
Housing
Ownership51.7%
Zillow$328,211
Housing Units93
Rent Burden34.1%
Crime
F
Violent198/100K
Property1,962/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking20.4%
Depression27.4%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (16°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain56.3 in/yr
Sunny Days290/yr
Elevation1,371 ft (418 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.47
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 47%
Broadband60.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Cherokee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cherokee receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Cherokee has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 72.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cherokee is below the national average at 198 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,962 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
29.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Cherokee enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 290 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Cherokee has a population of 139 with a density of 79 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 81.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $24,104 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,106, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 72.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 9,029 business establishments, including 457 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $24,104 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,106 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,950 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 72.0% |
| 481% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 9,029 |
| County GDP | $12,901M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 457 |
| Healthcare | 632 |
| Retail | 676 |
| Manufacturing | 166 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,175 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,211. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 93 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $5,175 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.3% |
| Housing Units | 93 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,175 |
| 48% above US avg |
In Cherokee, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 20.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.5% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,707. The dentist ratio is 1:1,234. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cherokee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.4% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.1% |
| Physical Distress | 17.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,707 |
| Dentists | 1:1,234 |
| Mental Health | 1:113 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.6% |
| Dental Visits | 50.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,316/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 632 |
Cherokee has a violent crime rate of 198 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,962 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 31 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 364 federally declared disasters. Overall, Cherokee receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cherokee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 197.7/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,961.5/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 364 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cherokee enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 290 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 56.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 1,371 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (9°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.5°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 290 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,371 ft (418 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 79/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6509°N, 121.5336°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Butte County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chico Regional (CIC) 22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.3"
48% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
6.22"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0444 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.4 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.24 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,394 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 27, 2025.
| May 24, 2013 |
2 km NNE of Canyondam, California |
M5.7 |
73 km |
| May 11, 2023 |
Lake Almanor Earthquake |
M5.5 |
71 km |
| Aug 10, 2001 |
3 km N of Blairsden, California |
M5.2 |
80 km |
| May 12, 2023 |
4km NW of Canyondam, CA |
M5.2 |
71 km |
| Apr 26, 2008 |
1 km NW of Mogul, Nevada |
M5.1 |
137 km |
| Nov 26, 1998 |
7km NW of Redding, CA |
M5.1 |
132 km |
| Aug 10, 2016 |
20 km NNE of Upper Lake, California |
M5.1 |
115 km |
| Sep 8, 2023 |
12 km NE of Burney, CA |
M5.0 |
145 km |
| May 24, 2013 |
1km NNW of Canyondam, CA |
M4.9 |
71 km |
| Oct 30, 1998 |
4 km N of Tahoe Vista, California |
M4.8 |
134 km |
| Sep 4, 1995 |
13 km SW of Middletown, California |
M4.8 |
150 km |
| Apr 26, 2008 |
0 km N of Mogul, Nevada |
M4.8 |
138 km |
| Apr 18, 2007 |
15 km N of Potter Valley, California |
M4.8 |
137 km |
| Jun 26, 2005 |
8 km NNW of Tahoe Vista, California |
M4.8 |
130 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
7 km W of Cobb, California |
M4.7 |
144 km |
| Jan 19, 2008 |
31 km NW of Rancho Tehama Reserve, California |
M4.7 |
116 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
19km NW of Truckee, CA |
M4.7 |
107 km |
| Jan 2, 2025 |
4 km NW of Cobb, CA |
M4.7 |
138 km |
| Nov 26, 1998 |
5km NNW of Redding, CA |
M4.6 |
130 km |
| Feb 18, 2004 |
4 km WNW of Cobb, California |
M4.6 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
59 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 7 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Feb 10, 1994 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 1986 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1953 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 2023 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2014 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 2012 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 2012 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 22, 2012 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jan 8, 2005 |
EF1 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1993 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1993 |
EF1 |
30 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 1992 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 1978 |
EF1 |
15 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Lassen Volcanic Center (94 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Lassen Volcanic Center |
Stratovolcano |
3,187 m (10,456 ft) |
1917 |
94 km |
| Clear Lake |
Volcanic field |
1,439 m (4,721 ft) |
Unknown |
131 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DIXIE (979,795 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
DIXIE |
979,795 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
NORTH COMPLEX |
316,556 |
36 km |
| 2018 |
CAMP |
153,687 |
11 km |
| 1990 |
CAMPBELL |
128,266 |
50 km |
| 2012 |
CHIPS |
79,978 |
57 km |
| 2022 |
MOSQUITO |
77,858 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
MOONLIGHT |
65,718 |
93 km |
| 1999 |
GUN 2 |
61,203 |
63 km |
| 2019 |
WALKER |
58,747 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
BTU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (LONG BRANCH-JACK) |
52,091 |
24 km |
| 2000 |
STORRIE |
49,588 |
47 km |
| 1994 |
BARKLEY |
44,256 |
56 km |
| 1988 |
49R |
36,673 |
53 km |
| 1999 |
MHRD COMPLEX (BUCKS) |
34,459 |
32 km |
| 2012 |
PONDEROSA |
28,690 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
AMERICAN |
27,938 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
CANYON COMPLEX (SCOTCH) |
26,418 |
30 km |
| 2008 |
HUMBOLDT |
23,769 |
14 km |
| 2007 |
ANTELOPE COMPLEX (WHEELER) |
23,108 |
98 km |
| 1990 |
FINLEY |
22,239 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (9°C) |
6.2 in |
Wettest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| April |
59°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
53°F (11°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
4.7 in |
Coldest |
Cherokee has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 46°F in December to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.8 inches, with January being the wettest month (6.2") and July the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Cherokee. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,533 |
| Toddler | $937 |
| Preschool | $775 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,260 |
| Toddler | $1,049 |
| Preschool | $974 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherokee
What is the population of Cherokee?
Cherokee has a population of 139 residents and is located in California. The population density is 79 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Cherokee expensive to live in?
Cherokee is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Is Cherokee safe?
Cherokee is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 198 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,962 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cherokee receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cherokee?
Cherokee enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 290 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Cherokee?
The job market in Cherokee is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,106. There are 9,029 business establishments in the area, including 457 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Cherokee?
Schools in Cherokee have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 29.6% of adults in Cherokee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cherokee?
The obesity rate in Cherokee is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.4% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 10.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,707.
What are the demographics of Cherokee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 81.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.8% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.