Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chinle, AZ
Considering a move to Chinle, AZ? This close-knit community of about 4,600 is nestled in the heart of the Navajo Nation, offering affordable living with median home prices around $82,500 and average rents at $690. Enjoy a sunny climate with mild summers, short commutes of 18 minutes, and access to local schools and healthcare. While the area has a higher poverty rate and limited amenities, its unique culture, scenic beauty, and welcoming atmosphere make Chinle a distinctive place to call home.
Demographics - Chinle, AZ
Demographics - Chinle, AZ
Chinle has a population of approximately 4,573, with a youthful median age of 26.5 and a strong Native American presence making up over 90% of residents. The community is closely knit, and a significant portion—68%—speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's rich cultural heritage.
Population:
4,573
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.5
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
68%
Ethnic Composition
White:
6.0%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.1%
Others:
2.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chinle, AZ?
Living in Chinle is notably affordable, with a median home value of $82,500 and average rent at $690. The cost of living index sits below the national average, making it attractive for those seeking budget-friendly housing and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$82,500
Gross Rent:
$690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$210
State Taxes:
Low:
2.59%
|
High:
4.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.2
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
60.5
Utilities:
104.1
Transportation:
94.7
Health Care:
95.4
Miscellaneous:
90.7
Crime
Is Chinle, AZ a safe place to live?
Chinle experiences a moderate crime rate, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime at about 1 in 391 and property crime at 1 in 58. While not the lowest in the region, these rates are important considerations for new residents seeking a safe community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
255
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,730
Crime Index:
1,985
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 391
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Chinle, AZ year-round?
Chinle enjoys a sunny, high-desert climate with 74% sunny days each year and mild seasons—summers typically reach highs of 89°F while winters see lows around 18°F. Annual rainfall is modest at just under 11 inches, making for generally dry and pleasant weather.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
56°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
Households in Chinle have a median income of $33,200 and a relatively high poverty rate of 38.8%, with most residents commuting about 18 minutes to work. Educational attainment is moderate, as just over 70% have completed high school and 7.3% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$33,200
Household Income:
$36,500
Family Income:
$38,800
Per Capita Income:
$11,200
Income Male:
$27,900
Income Female:
$26,100
Poverty Rate:
38.8%
Non English Speakers:
68%
Rent:
$690
Unemployment Rate:
13.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
70.6%
Bachelors or More:
7.3%
Education
How are the schools in Chinle, AZ?
Chinle offers educational opportunities through local public schools, including Chinle High School and Chinle Elementary, both featuring reasonable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is accessible locally via the Diné College Chinle Center, with additional options nearby.
Public Schools
Name:
Chinle High School
Street:
US-191 & Navajo Rte 7
Phone:
928-674-9400
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Chinle Elementary School
Street:
Hwy 191 & Navajo Rte 7
Phone:
928-674-9675
Students:
1,150
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Colleges
Name:
Diné College – Chinle Center
City:
Chinle
State:
AZ
Distance:
in town
Students:
200
Name:
Diné College – Tsaile Campus
City:
Tsaile
State:
AZ
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chinle is anchored by the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility, offering general and emergency services. While the area has fewer physicians per capita (0.8 per 1,000 residents), nearly 80% of locals have health insurance coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility
Address:
US-191 & Hospital Drive, Chinle, AZ 86503
Phone:
(928) 674-7001
Type:
General & IHS
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
79.5%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chinle, AZ?
Chinle's housing market is accessible, featuring a median home price of $82,500 and a 58% owner-occupancy rate. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $690, and the market remains stable with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$82,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$690
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle services at the Chinle MVD located in the Navajo Shopping Center, with information and online services available through the Arizona Department of Transportation website.
State:
Arizona
Department:
Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
Chinle MVD, Navajo Shopping Center, Chinle, AZ 86503
Phone:
1-800-251-5866
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.