Chatham, NY
Population 1,594 · New York
About Chatham, NY
Chatham is a small town located in New York with a population of 1,594 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $86,625 per year, which is 15% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.6 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 Chatham features a median home value of $306,300, which is 25% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Chatham in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,034, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 904 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (378 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (405 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 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chatham have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
46.7% of Chatham residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chatham, NY
Compared to national averages, Chatham has a median household income of $86,625 (15% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $306,300, which is 25% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,034 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Chatham's income is 11% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 21% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Chatham, NY?
Chatham offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $86,625, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,034/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 46.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Chatham has a population of 1,594 with a median age of 48.6 years. Compare Chatham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Chatham
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ransomville | 1,590 | $97,083 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Averill Park | 1,604 | $114,821 | $250,000 | Compare |
| Clark Mills | 1,606 | $72,019 | $0 | Compare |
| Greenwich | 1,606 | $78,398 | $194,500 | Compare |
| Valatie | 1,579 | $99,632 | $304,600 | Compare |
| Philmont | 1,575 | $62,972 | $215,700 | Compare |
| Cumberland Head | 1,622 | $106,048 | $211,600 | Compare |
| Sleepy Hollow Lake | 1,566 | $88,906 | $272,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chatham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chatham
What is the population of Chatham, NY?
The population of Chatham, NY is 1,594 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New York.
What is the median household income in Chatham?
The median household income in Chatham, NY is $86,625 per year, which is 15% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chatham?
The median home value in Chatham, NY is $306,300, which is 25% above 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, NY is $1,034, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chatham?
The unemployment rate in Chatham, NY is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chatham, NY a good place to live?
Chatham offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,594 and a median age of 48.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Chatham, NY?
46.7% of residents in Chatham aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chatham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chatham, NY: median home value is $306,300 (25% above national), median rent is $1,034/month, and median household income is $86,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Chatham?
The poverty rate in Chatham, NY is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chatham, NY?
Chatham's population is 0.4% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 3.6% of residents are foreign-born.