Chanute, KS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,598
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,882/yr
6.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,116
0.4% year-over-year change

Chanute population

How many people live in Chanute

Chanute is home to 8,598 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Chanute locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
8,598
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
4,093
Female
52.4%
4,505
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,093 47.6% 0.2%
Female 4,505 52.4% -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 Chanute is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 16.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 20.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
16.5%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
20.8%
Over 65
18.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,740 20.2% 6.4%
15 to 24 1,420 16.5% 1.2%
25 to 44 2,083 24.2% 10.9%
45 to 64 1,786 20.8% -11.5%
Over 65 1,569 18.2% -7.3%
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 Chanute, 97.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91.3% of locals are Caucasian, 1.7% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
1.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,394 97.6% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 60 0.7% -11.8%
Non-citizens 144 1.7% 14.3%
Racial breakdown
White
91.3%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.2%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 7,847 91.3%
Black or African American 149 1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 23 0.3%
Asian 60 0.7%
Two or more races 451 5.2%
Other 68 0.8%

Households in Chanute

A peek inside Chanute households

Chanute has 3,578 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.3% are families, while the remaining 38.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,578
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,384
Family households
2,194
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,384 38.7% -2.3%
Family households 2,194 61.3% 1.8%
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 Chanute

The housing landscape of Chanute

Chanute's housing consists of 4,116 units, with 86.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% 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
4,116
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,555 86.4%
1 unit, attached 25 0.6%
2 units 63 1.5%
3 or 4 units 105 2.6%
5 to 9 units 101 2.4%
10 to 19 units 47 1.1%
20 to 49 units 78 1.9%
50 or more units 47 1.1%
Mobile home 95 2.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Chanute

In Chanute, the median construction year is 1953. About 35.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.7% 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 1,459 35.4% -0.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 399 9.7% -6.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 777 18.9% 4.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 375 9.1% -11.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 324 7.9% -11.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 240 5.8% -11.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 165 4% 60.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 224 5.4% 37.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 153 3.7% 8.5%
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.

Chanute occupancy rates

Out of the 3,578 occupied housing units in Chanute, 69.2% are owner-occupied, while 30.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,578
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,102
Owner occupied
2,476
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,102 30.8% -0.7%
Owner occupied 2,476 69.2% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
13.1%
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.

Chanute housing costs

Housing costs in Chanute come to a median of $742 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $717.

Median housing costs per month
$742/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 Chanute
$717/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 Chanute

Chanute education at a glance

About 35.9% of the population in Chanute went to high school, while 28.7% pursued college studies. Another 14.7% earned an associate degree and 13.9% 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 120 1.9% 18.8%
High school diploma 2,305 35.9% -13.3%
College diploma 1,839 28.7% 0.4%
Associate degree 942 14.7% 11.7%
Bachelor's degree 890 13.9% 0.7%
Graduate degree 317 4.9% 33.2%
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 Chanute

How much people earn in Chanute

The average annual household income in Chanute was $69,684 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +10.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,882, reflecting a +6.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Chanute
$69,684/year
10.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Chanute
$50,882/year
6.3% year-over-year change

Chanute income by age

In Chanute, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $52,949. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,361 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $24,911, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $56,833 in earnings. Overall, 82.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $24,911 8.4%
25 - 44 $52,949 -9.0%
45 - 64 $55,361 2.9%
Over 65 $56,833 16.4%
Above poverty level
6,778
Below poverty level
1,424
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 6,778 82.6% 3.2%
Below poverty level 1,424 17.4% -13.8%

Average renter income in Chanute

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Chanute, their median household income was $24,435 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,435
Rent-to-income ratio
35.2%
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 Chanute

Workforce and job types in Chanute

The job market in Chanute is powered by 4,051 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.3% run their own businesses, 69.5% are employed by private companies, and 18.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,051
5.8% year-over-year change
White collar
2,975
Blue collar
1,076
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,975 73.4% 7.6%
Blue collar 1,076 26.6% 1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
4.3%
Private companies
69.5%
Governmental workers
18.4%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 173 4.3% 9.5%
Private companies 2,816 69.5% 3.7%
Governmental workers 746 18.4% 3.6%
Not for profit companies 316 7.8% 33.9%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
-22.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Chanute stands at 5.2%, 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 Chanute

How people get around in Chanute

Commuting methods vary: 94.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% 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 3,727 94.8% 6.0%
Bus or trolleybus 2 0% 0.0%
Walk 74 1.9% 27.6%
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 Chanute by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
66720 10,631 4,361 $56,911 $78,278

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Chanute demographics 

What is the total population of Chanute?

Chanute has a total population of 8,598 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Chanute?

The gender ratio in Chanute is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (4,093 residents)
  • 52.4% females (4,505 residents)

What is the median age in Chanute?

The median age in Chanute is 36.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Chanute?

The age distribution in Chanute is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (1,740 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.5% (1,420 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (2,083 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.8% (1,786 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.2% (1,569 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Chanute?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chanute is as follows:
  • White: 91.3% (7,847 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (149 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (23 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (60 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.2% (451 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (68 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.6% of the population in Chanute.

How many housing units are there in Chanute?

There are 4,116 housing units in Chanute, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Chanute has a total of 3,578 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Chanute?

Chanute has a median household income of $50,882, representing a +6.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.8% in Chanute, with a workforce of 4,051 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.4% (2,975 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.6% (1,076 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.3% (173 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.5% (2,816 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.4% (746 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (316 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