Chanute, Kansas Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Chanute, Kansas had a total population of 8,598, the 43rd largest city in Kansas, with a median household income of $50,882, which is 31% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 17.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 31% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x.
Chanute Quick Facts
How Chanute Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,629 | 8,598 | -0.4% |
| Median household income | $47,885 | $50,882 | +6.3% |
| Median home value | $77,900 | $78,000 | +0.1% |
How Chanute Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 45 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Chanute Rankings in Kansas
Explore Kansas Rankings
Other Cities in Neosho County
Cities Similar to Chanute
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence | 8,422 | $51,069 | $88,800 | 28.7% | 18.4% |
| Fort Riley | 8,606 | $54,362 | N/A | 18.2% | 10.7% |
| Coffeyville | 8,662 | $45,670 | $60,800 | 14.5% | 21.1% |
| Parsons | 9,425 | $52,428 | $71,700 | 21.7% | 20.9% |
| Wellington | 7,615 | $50,333 | $97,100 | 21.3% | 16.4% |
Population Overview
Chanute is a small city located in Kansas, within Neosho County. The total population is 8,598. It ranks as the 43rd most populous out of 721 Census-designated places in Kansas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Chanute is 36.1 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 37.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Chanute is $50,882. This is 31% lower than the state median of $74,275. It is also 37% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%. This is 54% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.3%. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. This is 34% higher than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $78,000. Housing costs are 64% lower than the state median of $217,200. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.5x, Chanute is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 69.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% higher than the state average of 67.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Chanute has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 85.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 8.4%. The Black or African American population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 5.1%. The Asian population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.
Education
21.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 39% lower than the state rate of 35.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Chanute, Kansas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Kansas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 721 Census-designated places in Kansas. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Chanute, Kansas?
Chanute, Kansas has a population of 8,598 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Chanute, KS?
The median household income in Chanute is $50,882, which is 37% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Chanute, KS?
The poverty rate in Chanute is 17.3%. This means approximately 1,424 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Chanute, Kansas?
Chanute's population is 85.5% White, 1.7% Black, 8.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Chanute, KS?
The median home value in Chanute is $78,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x.
How educated is Chanute, Kansas?
21.6% of adults (25+) in Chanute hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.