Cost of Living in Chariton, IA
Population 4,235 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Chariton sits on the smaller end of the Iowa city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. A poverty rate near 21% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Chariton is about 40 miles southeast of Des Moines, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 54% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chariton
The median home value in Chariton is $84,200 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $716/month, 46% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,109/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Chariton has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.
Chariton has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chariton, IA?
Chariton has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.
What is average rent in Chariton, IA?
The median gross rent in Chariton is $716 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chariton?
The median home value in Chariton is $84,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chariton?
The median household income in Chariton is $52,109 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chariton, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chariton is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Chariton, IA affordable?
Yes, Chariton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.
Chariton at a Glance
- Population
- 4,235
- Median Income
- $52,109
- Home Value
- $84,200
- Median Rent
- $716/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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