Median Income
$46,458
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$38,000
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
783/100K
106% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.0%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$504
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.8%
89% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
35.1%
183% higher than US avg
How Chinle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,395
Median Age31.9 yrs
Density270/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 3%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
C
Median Income$46,458
Per Capita$21,033
Unemployment6.8%
Poverty35.1%
County GDP$2,948M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$38,000
Rent$504
Ownership47.3%
Zillow$394,556
Housing Units1,335
Rent Burden13.4%
Crime
F
Violent783/100K
Property4,878/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured14.8%
Smoking26.4%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease8.6%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain8.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation5,501 ft (1,677 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.0%
High School+84.9%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score3.29
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 59%
Commute18 min
Broadband45.2%
EV Stations9
Libraries8
Is Chinle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chinle receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Chinle has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chinle is $46,458, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 35.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chinle is $38,000, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $504 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 783 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,878 per 100,000, 149% above the national average.
Education
23.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.3/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Chinle experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 8.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Chinle has a population of 4,395 with a density of 270 people per square mile, spread across 16.1 square miles. The median age is 31.9 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (89.6%), with 3% White, 1.3% Black, 84.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 37.9% of residents, while 62.1% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 6.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 70.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.9yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
37.9%
52% below US avg
Spanish
62.1%
363% above US avg
The median household income in Chinle is $46,458, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,033 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,092, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 35.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 630 business establishments, including 62 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100.7, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,458 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,033 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,092 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,478 |
| Gini Index | 0.514 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.8% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 35.1% |
| 183% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 630 |
| County GDP | $2,948M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 62 |
| Healthcare | 70 |
| Retail | 98 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,061 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.8% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.6% |
The median home value in Chinle is $38,000, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $394,556, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $504 (57% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,151 for a one-bedroom to $1,419 for a two-bedroom apartment. 47.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,335 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $2,061 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 13.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $38,000 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $394,556 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $504 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,053 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,151 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,889 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,158 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 47.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,335 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,061 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.42% |
In Chinle, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.6% of residents, above the national average. 34.6% have high blood pressure. 26.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.2% report binge drinking. 30.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.6% report depression. 23.8% experience frequent mental distress. 14.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,430. The dentist ratio is 1:1,335. 17.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chinle vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.6% |
| Heart Disease | 8.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.6% |
| Asthma | 15.5% |
| COPD | 12.0% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 6.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.4% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.9% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 23.8% |
| Physical Distress | 21.5% |
| Short Sleep | 44.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 70.5% |
| Uninsured | 14.8% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,430 |
| Dentists | 1:1,335 |
| Mental Health | 1:834 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.4% |
| Dental Visits | 40.4% |
| Premature Death | 27,851/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 17.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 70 |
Chinle has a violent crime rate of 783 per 100,000 residents, 106% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,878 per 100,000, 149% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chinle receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chinle vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 782.8/100K |
| 106% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,877.6/100K |
| 149% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Traffic Accidents | 53 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chinle experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 330 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 8.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.9 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. The city sits at an elevation of 5,501 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.5°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,501 ft (1,677 m) |
| Area | 16.1 sq mi (41.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 270/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.1511°N, 109.5787°W |
| Timezone | America/Phoenix |
| County | Apache County County |
| Nearest Airport | Four Corners Regional (FMN)
85 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
8.8"
77% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.34"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 2.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.4 on Mar 1, 2025.
| Apr 22, 2017 |
4 km SSW of Bluff, Utah |
M3.7 |
122 km |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
10 km NE of Bluff, Utah |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Mar 1, 2025 |
6 km SE of Moenkopi, Arizona |
M3.4 |
144 km |
| Oct 18, 1998 |
14 km SE of Moenkopi, Arizona |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Jun 25, 1991 |
10 km W of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Jul 13, 2009 |
3 km SE of Navajo Mountain, Utah |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Jul 4, 2007 |
9 km S of Moenkopi, Arizona |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Jul 4, 2021 |
24 km SW of Lake Valley, New Mexico |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
26 km NNW of Mexican Hat, Utah |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| May 20, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M3.0 |
114 km |
| Sep 13, 1996 |
10 km NW of Kayenta, Arizona |
M2.9 |
98 km |
| Sep 22, 1992 |
15 km NW of Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Jun 10, 2020 |
5 km WNW of Tsaile, Arizona |
M2.8 |
33 km |
| Mar 8, 1994 |
15 km NW of Kayenta, Arizona |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| May 20, 1994 |
8 km NNW of Kayenta, Arizona |
M2.7 |
97 km |
| Sep 23, 1995 |
4 km E of Teec Nos Pos, Arizona |
M2.7 |
99 km |
| May 20, 2024 |
11 km WNW of Ramah, New Mexico |
M2.6 |
141 km |
| Aug 26, 2024 |
8 km S of Rough Rock, Arizona |
M2.6 |
34 km |
| Mar 6, 2023 |
17 km ENE of Chilchinbito, Arizona |
M2.6 |
55 km |
| Sep 7, 2014 |
4 km WSW of Sun Valley, Arizona |
M2.6 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
10 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 13, 2022 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 2015 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 21, 2010 |
EF0 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2010 |
EF0 |
13 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 2003 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 2003 |
EF0 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1996 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1996 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1962 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1957 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WOOD SPRINGS 2 (13,208 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
WOOD SPRINGS 2 |
13,208 |
37 km |
| 2014 |
ASSAYII LAKE |
13,176 |
67 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE WATER1 |
4,342 |
70 km |
| 2002 |
CARRIZO 1 |
3,701 |
84 km |
| 2005 |
HOOK LAKE |
3,609 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
SAWMILL ROAD RX |
3,411 |
48 km |
| 2004 |
TURKEY SPRING |
3,017 |
34 km |
| 2007 |
OAK RIDGE 3 |
2,959 |
70 km |
| 2004 |
SANDSPRING |
2,935 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
FLUTED ROCK LAKE RX |
2,630 |
43 km |
| 2006 |
KINLICHEE CANYON 1 |
2,283 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
KINLICHEE |
1,949 |
59 km |
| 2011 |
CATTAIL CANYON JACKPOT BURN |
1,801 |
40 km |
| 2006 |
KINLICHEE 2 |
1,738 |
52 km |
| 2001 |
9400 FMZ |
1,312 |
38 km |
| 2005 |
OAK RIDGE |
1,309 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
44°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
1.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Chinle has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 31°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.3") and June the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Chinle. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$252 ($151–$403) |
| Specialist Visit |
$352 ($201–$554) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$201 ($101–$352) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,215 ($806–$5,035) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$201) |
| Dental Filling |
$252 ($151–$403) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($50–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$604 ($403–$1,007) |
| Battery Replacement |
$201 ($101–$352) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($60–$151) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($50–$141) |
| HVAC Repair |
$403 ($151–$806) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,049 ($4,028–$12,084) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,007 ($403–$2,014) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,063 ($5,539–$15,105) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,511 ($504–$3,525) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,105 ($5,035–$30,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,035 ($2,014–$10,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,511 ($806–$3,021) |
| Will Preparation |
$504 ($201–$1,007) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,518 ($1,007–$5,035) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$151 ($76–$252) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($50–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.13 ($3.02–$5.54) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.52 ($2.52–$5.04) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.83 ($2.52–$5.54) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.53 ($3.02–$6.55) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.54 ($4.03–$7.55) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.60–$1.81) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$141 ($81–$252) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$151) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($50–$151) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$201 ($76–$504) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,014 ($1,208–$3,525) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.06–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$252) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,208 ($604–$2,518) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,007 ($504–$2,014) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$403 ($201–$705) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,007 ($403–$2,518) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,588 ($5,035–$30,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($50–$201) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$302 ($151–$504) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$201 ($101–$403) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $974 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinle
What is the population of Chinle?
Chinle has a population of 4,395 residents and is located in Arizona. The population density is 270 people per square mile, spread across 16.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% male.
Is Chinle expensive to live in?
Chinle has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100.7 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $46,458, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $38,000 (87% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $504 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chinle safe?
Public safety is a concern in Chinle, with a violent crime rate of 783 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,878 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chinle receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chinle?
Chinle has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 8.8 inches, with 4.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Chinle?
The unemployment rate in Chinle is 6.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,092. There are 630 business establishments in the area, including 62 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chinle?
The median home value in Chinle is $38,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $394,556. For renters, the median monthly rent is $504. Fair market rent is $1,151 for a 1-bedroom and $1,419 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,061.
How are the schools in Chinle?
Schools in Chinle have an average test score of 3.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 23.0% of adults in Chinle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chinle?
The obesity rate in Chinle is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.4% of adults are smokers. 30.9% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 14.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 17.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,430.
What is transportation like in Chinle?
The average commute in Chinle is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.8% of workers drive alone to work, 1% use public transit, and 4.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chinle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chinle is 3% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 89.6% Hispanic or Latino, 84.7% Asian. 37.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 62.1% speak Spanish. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 6.0% of residents have a disability. 70.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
