Is Chanute Safe, Pros and cons of living in Chanute
Chanute, Kansas, offers a glimpse into Midwestern life with its blend of small-town charm and practical amenities. Nestled in Neosho County, this city provides a community atmosphere that appeals to families and individuals seeking a quieter pace. Its location in southeast Kansas provides a distinct regional character.
The city’s history is intertwined with the railroad and aviation pioneers, with its naming honoring Octave Chanute, a notable engineer. This heritage contributes to the local identity and provides a unique backdrop for residents. Understanding the various facets of Chanute, from its safety and cost of living to its job market and educational opportunities, is key for anyone considering a move to this Kansas community.
Is it Safe to Live in Chanute?
Chanute’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. The city’s overall crime rate is 20% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes in Chanute are 46.3% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
When considering personal safety, your chance of being a victim of crime in Chanute is 1 in 40 (as reported by AreaVibes). The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Chanute is 1 in 194 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are also a factor, with a 1 in 51 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Chanute (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs and Real Estate
Chanute presents an attractive housing market with costs that are generally lower than national averages. The median home value in Chanute is $89,400, which is 68% below the national average (as reported by Kurby AI). The median listing price for homes in Chanute is $150K, with approximately 57 homes listed for sale (as reported by Redfin).
For renters, the median rent in Chanute is $775 per month (as reported by Zillow). The rent-to-income ratio in the area is 35.2%, indicating the portion of earnings that go toward housing expenses (as reported by Point2Homes). Housing costs in Chanute are considered affordable, being 53% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The Job Market and Economy
The job market in Chanute is supported by a workforce of over 4,000 residents, with a significant portion employed in professional and administrative roles (as reported by Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in Chanute stands at 5.2% (as reported by Point2Homes). Major employers in Chanute include Orizon Aerospace, Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, and Babcock & Wilcox Chanute (as reported by Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce & Office of Tourism).
The average annual household income in Chanute was $69,684 in the most recent data available (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $50,882 (as reported by Chanute Demographics). The average salary for jobs in Chanute is approximately $57,092 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Chanute experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. July typically sees high temperatures around 33°C (91°F), while January averages a low of 6°C (43°F) (as reported by Best Time to Visit). The city has a relatively wet climate, with an average annual precipitation of approximately 1166 mm (46 inches) (as reported by Best Time to Visit).
The hottest month in Chanute is July, with average highs of 31.5°C (88.7°F) and lows of 21.4°C (70.5°F) (as reported by Weather and Climate). The coldest month is January, with average temperatures ranging from 5.2°C (41.4°F) high to -3°C (26.6°F) low (as reported by Weather and Climate). Rainfall is most prevalent in May, while January is typically the driest month (as reported by Weather and Climate).
Education and School Systems
Chanute is served by the Chanute Public Schools district, which includes Chanute High School, Royster Middle School, and Chanute Elementary School (as reported by Niche). The district generally receives positive reviews, with Chanute High School noted for its strong graduation rates and proficiency in English Language Arts and Mathematics (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Chanute Elementary School also demonstrates solid academic performance (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Chanute is also home to Neosho County Community College, providing accessible higher education opportunities for residents (as reported by Wikipedia). The public schools in Chanute are considered above average by some metrics (as reported by Niche).
Demographics and Community Profile
Chanute has a population of approximately 8,598 residents (as reported by Chanute Demographics). The median age in Chanute is 36.1 years (as reported by Chanute Demographics). The racial makeup is predominantly White, with 91.3% of locals identifying as Caucasian (as reported by Point2Homes).
The community tends to be conservative, with a significant portion of residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche). Chanute has a population density that contributes to a sparse suburban feel (as reported by Niche).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Chanute is notably lower than both the national and state averages. Chanute is 18% less expensive than the national average and 4% less expensive than the average city in Kansas (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The overall cost of living index is 85.0, where 100 represents the national average (as reported by Coupons.com).
Housing costs are a significant factor in Chanute’s affordability, being 53% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Other expenses such as groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities are also generally more affordable compared to the national averages (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Major Employers and Job Opportunities
Key employers in Chanute play a vital role in the local economy. Orizon, which manufactures complex subassemblies for the aerospace industry, is a major employer (as reported by Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce & Office of Tourism). Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center is another significant employer, providing a range of medical services to the region (as reported by Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce & Office of Tourism).
Other notable companies include Babcock & Wilcox Chanute, which designs and manufactures industrial products, and Ash Grove Cement Company, a major cement producer (as reported by Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce & Office of Tourism). Community National Bank & Trust also has a notable presence (as reported by Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce & Office of Tourism).