Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chelan, WA
Considering a move to Chelan, WA? With a population of just over 4,200, Chelan offers a relaxed small-town vibe, affordable average rents around $1,280, and a median home price of $484,000. You'll enjoy a low average commute of 13.5 minutes, crime rates well below national averages, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually) amidst stunning lake and mountain scenery. While education and incomes are modest, Chelan’s natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and welcoming community make it a wonderful spot for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Demographics - Chelan, WA
Demographics - Chelan, WA
Chelan is a welcoming small city with a population of about 4,250, a median age of 44.3, and a diverse community where over 21% identify as Hispanic or Latino. The city has a balanced gender ratio and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural character.
Population:
4,250
Density:
1,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.3
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chelan, WA?
Chelan’s cost of living is moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 117.0 and a median home value of $484,000. Renters can expect average rates around $1,280 per month, while utilities and groceries are also slightly above the U.S. average, making it important to budget accordingly.
Median House Value:
$484,000
Gross Rent:
$1,280
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
117.0
Grocery:
110.5
Housing:
135.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
108.5
Health Care:
104.0
Miscellaneous:
100.0
Crime
Is Chelan, WA a safe place to live?
Chelan is a relatively safe community, with violent crime rates significantly lower than national averages—residents face a 1 in 633 chance of violent crime and 1 in 74 chance of property crime. This low crime rate enhances the city’s appeal for families and retirees seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
158
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,508
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 633
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Chelan, WA year-round?
Chelan experiences four distinct seasons, with warm, sunny summers reaching highs near 88°F and mild winters averaging 39°F. The city enjoys 58% sunny days annually and receives about 11.5 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
The typical household income in Chelan is $61,300, and over 89% of adults hold at least a high school diploma. Residents benefit from short average commutes of 13.5 minutes, a low unemployment rate, and a strong sense of community, though 12.1% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$61,300
Family Income:
$70,000
Per Capita Income:
$31,500
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
12.1%
Non English Speakers:
17%
Rent:
$1,280
Unemployment Rate:
5.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
13.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
27.2%
Education
How are the schools in Chelan, WA?
Chelan is served by well-established public schools like Chelan High School and Morgen Owings Elementary, with student-teacher ratios around 18–19:1. While there are limited private school and college options locally, Wenatchee Valley College is just 36 miles away, offering additional higher education opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Chelan High School
Street:
215 Webster Ave
Phone:
509-682-4061
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Name:
Morgen Owings Elementary School
Street:
407 E Woodin Ave
Phone:
509-682-4031
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Street:
120 E Woodin Ave
Phone:
509-682-2851
Students:
60
Colleges
Name:
Wenatchee Valley College
City:
Wenatchee
State:
WA
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
3,100
Healthcare
Chelan offers convenient access to healthcare, anchored by Lake Chelan Health, a critical access hospital with emergency services. The area provides 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 91.4%, ensuring most residents have their medical needs met locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lake Chelan Health
Address:
503 E Highland Ave, Chelan, WA 98816
Phone:
(509) 682-3300
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chelan, WA?
The housing market in Chelan features a median home price of $484,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 62.5%. Home values have appreciated by 7.3% in the past year, while rental vacancies remain low, indicating a stable and desirable housing environment.
Median Home Price:
$484,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,280
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
2.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Chelan residents handle driver licensing and vehicle registration through the Washington State Department of Licensing, with the nearest office located in Wenatchee. The DMV provides comprehensive online resources and services to streamline your motor vehicle needs.
State:
Washington
Department:
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address:
3700 Chelan Hwy, Wenatchee, WA 98801
Phone:
1-360-902-3900
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.