Chelsea, OK
Population 1,862 · Oklahoma
About Chelsea, OK
Chelsea is a small town located in Oklahoma with a population of 1,862 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,875 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.1 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 Chelsea features a median home value of $101,300, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chelsea one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $756, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 927 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (416 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (304 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chelsea shows an unemployment rate of 12.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chelsea have an average one-way commute time of 29 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.1% of Chelsea 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 2.7% White, 35.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chelsea, OK
Compared to national averages, Chelsea has a median household income of $42,875 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,300, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $756 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oklahoma, Chelsea's income is 24% below the state average of $56,382, and home values are 16% below the state median of $119,992.
Why Live in Chelsea, OK?
Chelsea offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $756/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,875) that falls below the national average. However, Chelsea’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chelsea has a population of 1,862 with a median age of 32.1 years. Compare Chelsea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oklahoma.
Similar Cities Near Chelsea
Cities in Oklahoma with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inola | 1,863 | $60,500 | $170,400 | Compare |
| Westville | 1,850 | $40,156 | $76,000 | Compare |
| Waurika | 1,847 | $42,054 | $49,500 | Compare |
| Pawnee | 1,887 | $42,148 | $97,000 | Compare |
| Kingston | 1,918 | $49,010 | $117,100 | Compare |
| Coalgate | 1,919 | $37,716 | $83,200 | Compare |
| Burns Flat | 1,954 | $41,974 | $105,100 | Compare |
| Oologah | 1,766 | $83,977 | $186,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oklahoma
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chelsea With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chelsea
What is the population of Chelsea, OK?
The population of Chelsea, OK is 1,862 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Oklahoma.
What is the median household income in Chelsea?
The median household income in Chelsea, OK is $42,875 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chelsea?
The median home value in Chelsea, OK is $101,300, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chelsea?
The median monthly rent in Chelsea, OK is $756, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chelsea?
The unemployment rate in Chelsea, OK is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chelsea, OK a good place to live?
Chelsea offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,862 and a median age of 32.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Chelsea, OK?
9.1% of residents in Chelsea 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 Chelsea?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chelsea, OK: median home value is $101,300 (59% below national), median rent is $756/month, and median household income is $42,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chelsea?
The poverty rate in Chelsea, OK is 25.0%, 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 Chelsea, OK?
Chelsea's population is 2.7% White, 35.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.