Median Income
$50,556
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$85,600
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
206/100K
46% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.1%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$764
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.9%
85% lower than US avg
How Chokio Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population427
Median Age40.8 yrs
Density970/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$50,556
Per Capita$37,329
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty1.9%
County GDP$336M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,600
Rent$764
Ownership75.7%
Zillow$207,038
Housing Units242
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent206/100K
Property1,963/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking14.6%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,126 ft (343 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.1%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute21 min
Broadband81.7%
EV Stations5
Libraries2
Is Chokio a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chokio receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Chokio offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chokio is $50,556, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chokio is $85,600, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $764 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 Chokio is below the national average at 206 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,963 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Chokio has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 43.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Chokio has a population of 427 with a density of 970 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 40.8 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 34.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.8yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Chokio is $50,556, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,329. The average weekly wage is $1,026, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 221 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,556 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,329 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,026 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,920 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.9% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 221 |
| County GDP | $336M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,260 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.1% |
| Public Transit | 2.2% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Chokio is $85,600, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,038, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $764 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 242 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $2,260 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 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 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,600 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $207,038 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $764 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.3% |
| Housing Units | 242 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,260 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.64% |
In Chokio, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 26.6% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:572. The dentist ratio is 1:2,572. 6.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chokio vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 29.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:572 |
| Dentists | 1:2,572 |
| Mental Health | 1:729 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.2% |
| Dental Visits | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,304/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 6.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Chokio has a violent crime rate of 206 per 100,000 residents, 46% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,963 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chokio receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chokio vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 205.7/100K |
| 46% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,963.4/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chokio has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 276 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 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 43.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,126 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,126 ft (343 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 970/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5731°N, 96.1742°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Big Stone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Watertown Regional (ATY)
66 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
15 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
59 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
68 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
424 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 105 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
40 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
65 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
49 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
41 km |
| 2003 |
DANIELSON |
1,682 |
84 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
39 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
41 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
85 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
40 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
41 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
84 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
40 km |
| 1992 |
SPRING LK |
1,001 |
90 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
39 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
41 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
39 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
41 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
39 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-1°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
Chokio has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 13°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 23.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and December the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Chokio. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $770 |
| Toddler | $705 |
| Preschool | $657 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chokio
What is the population of Chokio?
Chokio has a population of 427 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 970 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.8 years. The population is 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
Is Chokio expensive to live in?
Chokio has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $50,556, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,600 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $764 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 Chokio safe?
Chokio is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 206 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,963 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chokio receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chokio?
Chokio has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 43.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Chokio?
The job market in Chokio is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,026. There are 221 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chokio?
The median home value in Chokio is $85,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $207,038. For renters, the median monthly rent is $764. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,260.
How are the schools in Chokio?
Schools in Chokio score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.1% of adults in Chokio hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chokio?
The obesity rate in Chokio is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 6.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:572.
What is transportation like in Chokio?
The average commute in Chokio is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.1% of workers drive alone to work, 2.2% use public transit, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chokio?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chokio is 98.6% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 34.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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