Chinle, AZ
Population 4,395 · Arizona
About Chinle, AZ
Chinle is a small town located in Arizona with a population of 4,395 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,458 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chinle features a median home value of $38,000, which is 84% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chinle one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $504, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,479 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (588 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (654 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chinle shows an unemployment rate of 14.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 35.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chinle have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.0% of Chinle residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 89.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 6.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chinle Ranks in Arizona
Cost of Living in Chinle, AZ
Compared to national averages, Chinle has a median household income of $46,458 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $38,000, which is 84% below the national median. Monthly rent at $504 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arizona, Chinle's income is 25% below the state average of $62,086, and home values are 84% below the state median of $237,048.
Why Live in Chinle, AZ?
Chinle offers affordable housing with a median home value of $38,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $504/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,458) that falls below the national average. However, Chinle’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chinle has a population of 4,395 with a median age of 31.9 years. Compare Chinle with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arizona.
Similar Cities Near Chinle
Cities in Arizona with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagar | 4,410 | $81,667 | $231,100 | Compare |
| Summit | 4,410 | $43,484 | $151,000 | Compare |
| Dewey-Humboldt | 4,428 | $64,183 | $411,300 | Compare |
| Whiteriver | 4,308 | $38,205 | $57,000 | Compare |
| South Tucson | 4,601 | $33,734 | $152,300 | Compare |
| Lake Montezuma | 4,615 | $54,081 | $291,900 | Compare |
| Clarkdale | 4,642 | $32,607 | $344,800 | Compare |
| Pinetop-Lakeside | 4,103 | $52,207 | $332,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arizona
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chinle With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinle
What is the population of Chinle, AZ?
The population of Chinle, AZ is 4,395 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Arizona.
What is the median household income in Chinle?
The median household income in Chinle, AZ is $46,458 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chinle?
The median home value in Chinle, AZ is $38,000, which is 84% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Chinle?
The median monthly rent in Chinle, AZ is $504, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chinle?
The unemployment rate in Chinle, AZ is 14.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chinle, AZ a good place to live?
Chinle offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,395 and a median age of 31.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Chinle, AZ?
23.0% of residents in Chinle aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Chinle?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chinle, AZ: median home value is $38,000 (84% below national), median rent is $504/month, and median household income is $46,458. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chinle?
The poverty rate in Chinle, AZ is 35.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Chinle, AZ?
Chinle's population is 1.1% White, 89.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 6.0% of residents are foreign-born.