Median Income
$54,000
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$121,900
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.0%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$736
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.4%
56% higher than US avg
How Chilhowee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population280
Median Age34.6 yrs
Density778/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$54,000
Per Capita$21,019
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty19.4%
Commute39 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,900
Rent$736
Ownership60.6%
Zillow$288,137
Housing Units138
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured15.7%
Smoking17.5%
Depression27.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain42.1 in/yr
Elevation925 ft (282 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.0%
High School+81.3%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute39 min
Broadband91.3%
EV Stations2
Is Chilhowee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chilhowee receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Chilhowee offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chilhowee is $54,000, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 19.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chilhowee is $121,900, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
9.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Chilhowee experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.1 inches, including 11.1 inches of snow.
Chilhowee has a population of 280 with a density of 778 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 34.6 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (83.9%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
280
Total Population
2023 Census
34.6yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Chilhowee vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Chilhowee vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Chilhowee is $54,000, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,019 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 39 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Chilhowee vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,000 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,019 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.4% |
| 56% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 62.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Chilhowee is $121,900, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,137, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $736 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 138 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $121,900 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $288,137 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $736 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.4% |
| Housing Units | 138 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
In Chilhowee, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.8% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 27.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.9% experience frequent mental distress. 15.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Chilhowee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 27.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.3% |
| Uninsured | 15.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
Food & Exercise
Chilhowee experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.1 inches. The area receives 11.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 925 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 925 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 778/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.5889°N, 93.8544°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sedalia Regional (DMO)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.1"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.52"
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
17 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
99 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
93 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
27 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
473 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 297 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
100 km |
2 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,763 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
27 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,023 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,840 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
83 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,305 |
59 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,294 |
82 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,282 |
62 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,273 |
83 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,045 |
77 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
940 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
938 |
68 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
869 |
84 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
864 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
860 |
75 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
849 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
840 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
802 |
77 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
790 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Chilhowee has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Chilhowee. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Chilhowee
What is the population of Chilhowee?
Chilhowee has a population of 280 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 778 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Chilhowee expensive to live in?
Chilhowee is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,000, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,900 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $736 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Chilhowee?
Chilhowee has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 42.1 inches, with 11.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Chilhowee?
The unemployment rate in Chilhowee is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 39 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chilhowee?
The median home value in Chilhowee is $121,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,137. For renters, the median monthly rent is $736. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.6%.
How are the schools in Chilhowee?
Schools in Chilhowee score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.0% of adults in Chilhowee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.3% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chilhowee?
The obesity rate in Chilhowee is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents report depression. 15.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Chilhowee?
The average commute in Chilhowee is 39 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 62.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chilhowee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chilhowee is 83.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 84.3% have health insurance coverage.