Chinle, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,147
-5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,239/yr
14.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,526
3.2% year-over-year change

Chinle population

How many people live in Chinle

Chinle is home to 4,147 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Chinle locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
4,147
-5.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
2,048
Female
50.6%
2,099
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,048 49.4% 0.4%
Female 2,099 50.6% -10.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Chinle is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.9% are children under 15, then 15% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.3% of the population, while another 20.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
35
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.9%
15 to 24
15%
25 to 44
30.3%
45 to 64
20.4%
Over 65
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 950 22.9% -12.4%
15 to 24 622 15% -17.5%
25 to 44 1,255 30.3% 2.5%
45 to 64 848 20.4% -2.9%
Over 65 472 11.4% 2.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Chinle, 93.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 4.4% of locals are Caucasian, 2.5% are African American and 5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
5.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,884 93.7% -6.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 27 0.6% 8.0%
Non-citizens 236 5.7% -0.4%
Racial breakdown
White
4.4%
Black or African American
2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
85%
Asian
5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 183 4.4%
Black or African American 102 2.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3,524 85%
Asian 207 5%
Two or more races 81 2%
Other 50 1.2%

Households in Chinle

A peek inside Chinle households

Chinle has 1,285 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.9% are families, while the remaining 32.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,285
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
413
Family households
872
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 413 32.1% 4.3%
Family households 872 67.9% 3.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Chinle

The housing landscape of Chinle

Chinle's housing consists of 1,526 units, with 51.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 13.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,526
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 787 51.6%
1 unit, attached 52 3.4%
2 units 155 10.2%
3 or 4 units 176 11.5%
5 to 9 units 152 10%
Mobile home 204 13.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chinle

In Chinle, the median construction year is 1990. About 1.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 25 1.6% 8.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 41 2.7% 28.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 24 1.6% -4.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 45 3% 28.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 362 23.7% 25.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 276 18.1% -7.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 221 14.5% -19.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 277 18.2% -10.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 255 16.7% 33.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Chinle occupancy rates

Out of the 1,285 occupied housing units in Chinle, 47.5% are owner-occupied, while 52.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,285
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
675
Owner occupied
610
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 675 52.5% 3.2%
Owner occupied 610 47.5% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
15.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Chinle housing costs

Housing costs in Chinle come to a median of $374 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $565.

Median housing costs per month
$374/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Chinle
$565/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Chinle

Chinle education at a glance

About 35.3% of the population in Chinle went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 10.4% earned an associate degree and 14.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 186 6.6% -4.6%
High school diploma 999 35.3% -11.8%
College diploma 619 21.8% -9.5%
Associate degree 296 10.4% 0.7%
Bachelor's degree 409 14.4% 19.6%
Graduate degree 324 11.4% 31.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Chinle

How much people earn in Chinle

The average annual household income in Chinle was $69,063 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,239, reflecting a +14.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chinle
$69,063/year
11.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chinle
$53,239/year
14.6% year-over-year change

Chinle income by age

In Chinle, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $51,016. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,281 overall. Overall, 71.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $51,016 N/A
45 - 64 $68,281 21.8%
Over 65 $33,750 -12.9%
Above poverty level
2,861
Below poverty level
1,121
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,861 71.8% 4.7%
Below poverty level 1,121 28.2% -26.7%

Average renter income in Chinle

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chinle, their median household income was $38,884 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 17.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,884
Rent-to-income ratio
17.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Chinle

Workforce and job types in Chinle

The job market in Chinle is powered by 1,387 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,387
8.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,134
Blue collar
253
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,134 81.8% 7.0%
Blue collar 253 18.2% 17.7%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
31.1%
Governmental workers
65.8%
Not for profit companies
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 431 31.1% -7.1%
Governmental workers 912 65.8% 18.4%
Not for profit companies 44 3.2% 7.3%
Unemployment rate
12.0%
-13.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chinle stands at 12%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Chinle

How people get around in Chinle

Commuting methods vary: 82.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,149 82.8% 5.0%
Bus or trolleybus 11 0.8% -15.4%
Walk 149 10.7% 36.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chinle demographics 

What is the total population of Chinle?

Chinle has a total population of 4,147 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -5.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chinle?

The gender ratio in Chinle is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (2,048 residents)
  • 50.6% females (2,099 residents)

What is the median age in Chinle?

The median age in Chinle is 35.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chinle?

The age distribution in Chinle is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.9% (950 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15% (622 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.3% (1,255 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.4% (848 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.4% (472 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chinle?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chinle is as follows:
  • White: 4.4% (183 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.5% (102 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 85% (3,524 residents)
  • Asian: 5% (207 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2% (81 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (50 residents)

What percentage of the population in Chinle are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.7% of the population in Chinle.

How many housing units are there in Chinle?

There are 1,526 housing units in Chinle, reflecting a +3.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Chinle and what is the average household size?

Chinle has a total of 1,285 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chinle?

Chinle has a median household income of $53,239, representing a +14.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Chinle?

The employment rate is 88% in Chinle, with a workforce of 1,387 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.8% (1,134 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.2% (253 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 31.1% (431 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 65.8% (912 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.2% (44 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025