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CITY · 2020 ACS

Challis

Idaho · 902 residents · 1.973 sq mi
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The short version

Challis has notably lower household income than the US average, with a median household income of $21,640. Population has held roughly steady since 2000. Median home value has more than doubled since 2000, reaching $155,300. With a median age of 53.0, the population is older than the US median of 38.8. The poverty rate of 31.3% is well above the national figure. Households here earn about 63% less than the Idaho median.

At a glance
Lower income
below the US median
US median: $66,278
Older
median age 53.0
US median: 38.8
Less educated
23% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 33%
Less affordable
home values up 46%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $265,253
Section 01

Population & growth

Total population
902
−1%since 2000
from 909 in 2000
1990 – 2025
Population density
457 / sq mi
−1%since 2000
from 461 / sq mi in 2000
US average: 280
Median age
53.0
+27%since 2000
from 41.8 in 2000
US average: 38.8
Population, 1990 – 2024
6958791K1K1K1990201020202024Challis
2024854
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income
$21,640
−52%inflation adjusted, since 2000
from $29,904 in 2000
US average: $66,278
1990 – 2024
Per capita income
$21,410
+35%since 2000
from $15,803 in 2000
US average: $35,364
Households earning $100K+
15.9%
−0.1 ptssince 2009
from 16.0% in 2009
US average: 43.9%
Poverty rate
31.3%
+18.6 ptssince 2000
from 12.7% in 2000
US average: 12.8%
Workforce by industry, 2020
Other services18.8%
US avg: 6.6%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing15.2%
US avg: 1.7%
Construction11.9%
US avg: 1.2%
Retail trade10.9%
US avg: 10%
Transportation & warehousing6.6%
US avg: 2.5%
Information5%
US avg: 11.1%
Wholesale trade3.6%
US avg: 6.7%
Manufacturing3.3%
US avg: 0.5%
Public administration1.7%
US avg: 4.7%
Finance & insurance0%
US avg: 5.5%
Professional, scientific, technical0%
US avg: 4.7%
Education & health services0%
US avg: 0.8%
Arts, entertainment, food0%
US avg: 2%
BARS: THIS PLACE · TICKS: US AVERAGE
Section 03

Housing

Median home value
$155,300
+46%inflation adjusted, since 2000
from $70,800 in 2000
US average: $265,253
1990 – 2024
Median gross rent
$548
−7%inflation adjusted, since 2000
from $392 in 2000
US average: $1,124
Owner-occupied
70.5%
+1.2 ptssince 2000
from 69.3% in 2000
29.5% rent
Afford Score
7.2
+203%since 2000
from 2.4 in 2000
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Challis on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000
White, non-Hispanic94.9%(863)
Black0%(0)
Hispanic / Latino3.9%(35)
Asian0%(0)
Other0%
Diversity Score9.4%(85)
2020
White, non-Hispanic88.7%(800)
Black0.1%(1)
Hispanic / Latino6.2%(56)
Asian0.2%(2)
Other5.5%(50)
Diversity Score27.3%(246)
Diversity Score
27
+191%since 2000
from 9 in 2000
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
22.6%
+4.3 ptssince 2000
from 18.3% in 2000
US average: 32.9%
High school or higher
91.3%
+10.6 ptssince 2000
from 80.7% in 2000
US average: 88.5%
Graduate degree
1.7%
−1.3 ptssince 2000
from 3.0% in 2000
US average: 12.7%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute
9.7 min
−53%since 2000
from 20.7 min in 2000
US average: 26.9
Drive alone to work
76.9%
+26.2 ptssince 2009
from 50.7% in 2009
US average: 75.1%
No vehicle available
7.4%
+1.7 ptssince 2009
from 5.7% in 2009
US average: 8.4%
Section 07

Work & employment

Unemployment rate
7.3%
+2.2 ptssince 2011
from 5.2% in 2011
US average: 5.4%
Labor force participation
53.8%
−12.9 ptssince 2011
from 66.7% in 2011
US average: 63.4%
Management & professional
20.8%
−25.4 ptssince 2009
from 46.2% in 2009
US average: 39.3%
Section 08

People & community

Male
40.9%
−9.4 ptssince 2009
from 50.3% in 2009
Female
59.1%
+9.4 ptssince 2009
from 49.7% in 2009
Foreign born
1.2%
−2.0 ptssince 2009
from 3.2% in 2009
US average: 13.5%
Uninsured
15.9%
−67.9 ptssince 2013
from 83.8% in 2013
US average: 8.8%
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CHALLIS VS
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CHALLIS VS
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CHALLIS VS
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Frequently asked

How many people live in Challis, Idaho?

Challis, Idaho has about 902 residents according to the 2020 American Community Survey.

What is the median household income in Challis, Idaho?

The typical household in Challis, Idaho earns about $21,640 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Challis, Idaho expensive?

In Challis, Idaho, the median home is worth about $155,300, and the typical rent is about $548 a month.

How educated are people in Challis, Idaho?

About 22.6% of adults age 25 and over in Challis, Idaho hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Challis, Idaho?

About 31.3% of people in Challis, Idaho live below the federal poverty line.

Has Challis, Idaho grown since 1990?

Yes, Challis, Idaho has shrunk since 1990. The population has lost about 192 residents, a change of about -18 percent over that period.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

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