Median Income
$47,778
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,800
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
259/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.3%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$754
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.8%
29% lower than US avg
How Cherokee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population692
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density961/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,778
Per Capita$21,852
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty8.8%
County GDP$2,158M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,800
Rent$754
Ownership77.2%
Zillow$100,368
Housing Units340
Rent Burden36.4%
Crime
F
Violent259/100K
Property5,722/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking19.1%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain47.9 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation932 ft (284 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.3%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.35
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute20 min
Broadband80.8%
EV Stations7
Libraries7
Is Cherokee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cherokee receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Cherokee offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cherokee is $47,778, 36% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cherokee is $81,800, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $754 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cherokee is below the national average at 259 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,722 per 100,000, 192% above the national average.
Education
23.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Cherokee enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.9 inches, including 9.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Cherokee has a population of 692 with a density of 961 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 5.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Cherokee is $47,778, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,852 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $869, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,084 business establishments, including 101 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,778 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,852 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $869 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,070 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.8% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,084 |
| County GDP | $2,158M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 101 |
| Healthcare | 133 |
| Retail | 137 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Cherokee is $81,800, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,368, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $754 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $668 for a one-bedroom to $877 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 340 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,800 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $100,368 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $754 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $664 |
| 1 Bedroom | $668 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $877 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,157 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Housing Units | 340 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,300 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.26% |
In Cherokee, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 34.5% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.8% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,504. The dentist ratio is 1:1,776. 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cherokee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.5% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,504 |
| Dentists | 1:1,776 |
| Mental Health | 1:352 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,703/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 133 |
Cherokee has a violent crime rate of 259 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,722 per 100,000, 192% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cherokee receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cherokee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 259.4/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,721.7/100K |
| 192% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cherokee enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 305 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 47.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 932 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 57.5°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 932 ft (284 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 961/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3450°N, 94.8213°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.9"
26% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
145 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
124 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
143 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
120 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
579 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 224 fatalities, 2,073 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
38 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
48 km |
21 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
26 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
61 km |
3 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
52 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
37 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
32 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
73 km |
7 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
21 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,424 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
74 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
51 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
47 km |
| 2015 |
VOLZ FIRE |
1,662 |
86 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
53 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
68 km |
| 2010 |
NO TORCH |
1,356 |
80 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
72 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
52 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
43 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
912 |
81 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
802 |
95 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
581 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
74°F (24°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Cherokee has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 33°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.5").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherokee
What is the population of Cherokee?
Cherokee has a population of 692 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 961 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Cherokee expensive to live in?
Cherokee is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,778, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,800 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $754 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cherokee safe?
Cherokee is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 259 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,722 per 100,000 (above 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 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.9 inches, with 9.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Cherokee?
Cherokee has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $869. There are 1,084 business establishments in the area, including 101 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cherokee?
The median home value in Cherokee is $81,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,368. For renters, the median monthly rent is $754. Fair market rent is $668 for a 1-bedroom and $877 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,300.
How are the schools in Cherokee?
Schools in Cherokee score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.3% of adults in Cherokee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cherokee?
The obesity rate in Cherokee is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,504.
What is transportation like in Cherokee?
The average commute in Cherokee is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cherokee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee is 92.1% White, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 85.8% have health insurance coverage.