Chatham, LA
Population 678 · Louisiana
About Chatham, LA
Chatham is a small community located in Louisiana with a population of 678 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $31,458 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.3 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 Chatham features a median home value of $45,000, which is 82% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chatham one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $688, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 317 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (98 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (154 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 Chatham shows an unemployment rate of 1.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chatham have an average one-way commute time of 38.8 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
15.1% of Chatham 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 1.2% White, 13.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chatham Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Chatham, LA
Compared to national averages, Chatham has a median household income of $31,458 (58% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $45,000, which is 82% below the national median. Monthly rent at $688 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Chatham's income is 42% below the state average of $54,685, and home values are 71% below the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Chatham, LA?
Chatham offers affordable housing with a median home value of $45,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $688/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.5%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($31,458) that falls below the national average. However, Chatham’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chatham has a population of 678 with a median age of 32.3 years. Compare Chatham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Louisiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chatham
What is the population of Chatham, LA?
The population of Chatham, LA is 678 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Louisiana.
What is the median household income in Chatham?
The median household income in Chatham, LA is $31,458 per year, which is 58% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chatham?
The median home value in Chatham, LA is $45,000, which is 82% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Chatham?
The median monthly rent in Chatham, LA is $688, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chatham?
The unemployment rate in Chatham, LA is 1.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chatham, LA a good place to live?
Chatham offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 678 and a median age of 32.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Chatham, LA?
15.1% of residents in Chatham 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 Chatham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chatham, LA: median home value is $45,000 (82% below national), median rent is $688/month, and median household income is $31,458. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chatham?
The poverty rate in Chatham, LA is 12.5%, 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 Chatham, LA?
Chatham's population is 1.2% White, 13.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 37.5% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.