Challis, ID
Population 794 · Idaho
About Challis, ID
Challis is a small community located in Idaho with a population of 794 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,034 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Challis features a median home value of $168,300, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Challis in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $635, 45% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 585 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (212 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (165 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Challis shows an unemployment rate of 1.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Challis have an average one-way commute time of 11 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.9% of Challis 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 4.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Challis Ranks in Idaho
Cost of Living in Challis, ID
Compared to national averages, Challis has a median household income of $50,034 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,300, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $635 is 45% below the US average of $1,163. Within Idaho, Challis's income is 23% below the state average of $65,190, and home values are 39% below the state median of $274,721.
Why Live in Challis, ID?
Challis offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $635/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,034) that falls below the national average. However, Challis’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Challis has a population of 794 with a median age of 44.9 years. Compare Challis with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Idaho.
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Demographics
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Challis
What is the population of Challis, ID?
The population of Challis, ID is 794 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Idaho.
What is the median household income in Challis?
The median household income in Challis, ID is $50,034 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Challis?
The median home value in Challis, ID is $168,300, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Challis?
The median monthly rent in Challis, ID is $635, which is 45% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Challis?
The unemployment rate in Challis, ID is 1.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Challis, ID a good place to live?
Challis offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 794 and a median age of 44.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Challis, ID?
22.9% of residents in Challis 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 Challis?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Challis, ID: median home value is $168,300 (31% below national), median rent is $635/month, and median household income is $50,034. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Challis?
The poverty rate in Challis, ID is 15.2%, 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 Challis, ID?
Challis's population is 4.9% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.