Chanute, KS
Population 8,629 · Kansas
About Chanute, KS
Chanute is a small town located in Kansas with a population of 8,629 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,885 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chanute features a median home value of $77,900, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chanute one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $653, 44% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,099 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (2,462 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (1,110 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chanute shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chanute have an average one-way commute time of 12.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.2% of Chanute 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 5.2% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chanute Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Chanute, KS
Compared to national averages, Chanute has a median household income of $47,885 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $77,900, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $653 is 44% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Chanute's income is 25% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 32% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Chanute, KS?
Chanute offers affordable housing with a median home value of $77,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $653/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,885) that falls below the national average. However, Chanute’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chanute has a population of 8,629 with a median age of 38.1 years. Compare Chanute with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Chanute
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bel Aire | 8,654 | $93,182 | $213,500 | Compare |
| Fort Riley | 8,595 | $52,823 | $222,100 | Compare |
| Spring Hill | 8,691 | $108,007 | $323,300 | Compare |
| Coffeyville | 8,752 | $41,901 | $55,600 | Compare |
| Independence | 8,469 | $49,164 | $78,500 | Compare |
| Valley Center | 8,937 | $73,480 | $214,300 | Compare |
| Augusta | 9,252 | $60,581 | $162,200 | Compare |
| Parsons | 9,482 | $50,838 | $70,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chanute With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chanute
What is the population of Chanute, KS?
The population of Chanute, KS is 8,629 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Chanute?
The median household income in Chanute, KS is $47,885 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chanute?
The median home value in Chanute, KS is $77,900, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chanute?
The median monthly rent in Chanute, KS is $653, which is 44% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chanute?
The unemployment rate in Chanute, KS is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chanute, KS a good place to live?
Chanute offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,629 and a median age of 38.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chanute, KS?
19.2% of residents in Chanute 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 Chanute?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chanute, KS: median home value is $77,900 (68% below national), median rent is $653/month, and median household income is $47,885. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chanute?
The poverty rate in Chanute, KS is 20.1%, 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 Chanute, KS?
Chanute's population is 5.2% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.