Chariton, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,242
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,979/yr
-9.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,924
-1.0% year-over-year change

Chariton population

How many people live in Chariton

Chariton is home to 4,242 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.3% of Chariton locals are male, and 48.7% are female.

Total population
4,242
0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.3%
2,178
Female
48.7%
2,064
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,178 51.3% -0.4%
Female 2,064 48.7% 0.8%
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 Chariton is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.3% are children under 15, then 12.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22% of the population, while another 24.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.3%
15 to 24
12.6%
25 to 44
22%
45 to 64
24.4%
Over 65
19.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 902 21.3% 4.3%
15 to 24 533 12.6% -0.7%
25 to 44 931 22% 4.7%
45 to 64 1,035 24.4% -6.4%
Over 65 841 19.8% 0.4%
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 Chariton, 93.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 1.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,951 93.1% -3.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 120 2.8% 21.2%
Non-citizens 171 4% 256.2%
Racial breakdown
White
91.2%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.7%
Other
3.9%
Value Percent
White 3,871 91.2%
Black or African American 25 0.6%
Asian 65 1.5%
Two or more races 116 2.7%
Other 165 3.9%

Households in Chariton

A peek inside Chariton households

Chariton has 1,821 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58% are families, while the remaining 42% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,821
-0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
765
Family households
1,056
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 765 42% -2.0%
Family households 1,056 58% 1.1%
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 Chariton

The housing landscape of Chariton

Chariton's housing consists of 1,924 units, with 72.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.5% 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 2.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,924
-1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,401 72.8%
1 unit, attached 29 1.5%
2 units 84 4.4%
3 or 4 units 23 1.2%
5 to 9 units 29 1.5%
10 to 19 units 45 2.3%
20 to 49 units 84 4.4%
50 or more units 184 9.6%
Mobile home 45 2.3%
Homes built since 2020
9
-10.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chariton

In Chariton, the median construction year is 1955. About 41.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 0.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 806 41.9% 18.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 87 4.5% -38.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 138 7.2% -3.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 231 12% -12.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 447 23.2% 46.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 98 5.1% -54.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 36 1.9% -46.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 18 0.9% -78.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 54 2.8% 63.6%
Built in 2020 or later 9 0.5% -10.0%
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.

Chariton occupancy rates

Out of the 1,821 occupied housing units in Chariton, 64.5% are owner-occupied, while 35.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,821
-0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
647
Owner occupied
1,174
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 647 35.5% 9.3%
Owner occupied 1,174 64.5% -4.8%
Unoccupied housing units
5.4%
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.

Chariton housing costs

Housing costs in Chariton come to a median of $726 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $689.

Median housing costs per month
$726/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 Chariton
$689/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 Chariton

Chariton education at a glance

About 54.6% of the population in Chariton went to high school, while 20.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.1% earned an associate degree and 7.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 119 3.8% 105.2%
High school diploma 1,715 54.6% -6.4%
College diploma 646 20.6% -4.0%
Associate degree 255 8.1% -7.6%
Bachelor's degree 249 7.9% 6.4%
Graduate degree 154 4.9% 3.4%
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 Chariton

How much people earn in Chariton

The average annual household income in Chariton was $59,145 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -8.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,979, reflecting a -9.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chariton
$59,145/year
-8.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chariton
$46,979/year
-9.8% year-over-year change

Chariton income by age

In Chariton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,139. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $45,909 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $61,338, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $30,039 in earnings. Overall, 83.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $61,338 0.9%
25 - 44 $60,139 -13.7%
45 - 64 $45,909 -6.1%
Over 65 $30,039 16.3%
Above poverty level
3,416
Below poverty level
682
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,416 83.4% 5.8%
Below poverty level 682 16.6% -22.8%

Average renter income in Chariton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chariton, their median household income was $24,806 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,806
Rent-to-income ratio
33.3%
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 Chariton

Workforce and job types in Chariton

The job market in Chariton is powered by 1,787 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 63.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 36.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 73.3% are employed by private companies, and 12.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,787
-9.6% year-over-year change
White collar
1,128
Blue collar
659
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,128 63.1% -2.2%
Blue collar 659 36.9% -19.9%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
73.3%
Governmental workers
12.6%
Not for profit companies
4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 179 10% 19.3%
Private companies 1,310 73.3% -11.3%
Governmental workers 226 12.6% -12.1%
Not for profit companies 72 4% -22.6%
Unemployment rate
9.1%
40.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chariton stands at 9.1%, 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 Chariton

How people get around in Chariton

Commuting methods vary: 90.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.9% 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 1,572 90.1% -10.4%
Walk 86 4.9% 50.9%
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.

What is the median and average household income in Chariton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
50049 6,414 2,667 $61,190 $75,481

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FAQs about Chariton demographics 

What is the total population of Chariton?

Chariton has a total population of 4,242 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 +0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chariton?

The gender ratio in Chariton is as follows:
  • 51.3% males (2,178 residents)
  • 48.7% females (2,064 residents)

What is the median age in Chariton?

The median age in Chariton is 38.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chariton?

The age distribution in Chariton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.3% (902 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.6% (533 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22% (931 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.4% (1,035 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.8% (841 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chariton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chariton is as follows:
  • White: 91.2% (3,871 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (25 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.5% (65 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.7% (116 residents)
  • Other: 3.9% (165 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.1% of the population in Chariton.

How many housing units are there in Chariton?

There are 1,924 housing units in Chariton, reflecting a -1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chariton has a total of 1,821 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chariton?

Chariton has a median household income of $46,979, representing a -9.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 90.9% in Chariton, with a workforce of 1,787 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 63.1% (1,128 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 36.9% (659 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (179 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.3% (1,310 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.6% (226 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4% (72 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