Chaffee, MO
Population 3,039 · Missouri
About Chaffee, MO
Chaffee is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 3,039 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,024 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chaffee features a median home value of $120,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chaffee one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $713, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,464 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (872 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (464 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chaffee shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chaffee have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.2% of Chaffee 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 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chaffee, MO
Compared to national averages, Chaffee has a median household income of $41,024 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,900, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $713 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Chaffee's income is 33% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 20% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Chaffee, MO?
Chaffee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $713/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,024) that falls below the national average. However, Chaffee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chaffee has a population of 3,039 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Chaffee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Chaffee
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor | 3,038 | $42,004 | $96,400 | Compare |
| Villa Ridge | 2,994 | $67,129 | $153,100 | Compare |
| Ava | 2,978 | $44,722 | $134,800 | Compare |
| Clever | 2,977 | $77,403 | $179,400 | Compare |
| East Prairie | 2,930 | $31,159 | $58,000 | Compare |
| Buckner | 2,917 | $84,572 | $177,100 | Compare |
| Monroe City | 3,162 | $52,883 | $152,400 | Compare |
| Bethany | 3,164 | $46,016 | $119,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chaffee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chaffee
What is the population of Chaffee, MO?
The population of Chaffee, MO is 3,039 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Chaffee?
The median household income in Chaffee, MO is $41,024 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chaffee?
The median home value in Chaffee, MO is $120,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chaffee?
The median monthly rent in Chaffee, MO is $713, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chaffee?
The unemployment rate in Chaffee, MO is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chaffee, MO a good place to live?
Chaffee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,039 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chaffee, MO?
22.2% of residents in Chaffee 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 Chaffee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chaffee, MO: median home value is $120,900 (51% below national), median rent is $713/month, and median household income is $41,024. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chaffee?
The poverty rate in Chaffee, MO is 14.1%, 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 Chaffee, MO?
Chaffee's population is 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 4.7% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.