If you're wondering how many people live in Chugwater City, you're not alone. Many small, rural towns across the West are trying to entice new residents and businesses to their communities. While big cities may offer tax incentives to lure new businesses, small towns in the West need a little bit of incentive of their own. The population of Chugwater has remained relatively stable since the 1920s, hovering between 200 and 300 people. However, the average age has been increasing over time.
In the summertime, the summer weather is mild enough for outdoor recreation. The town is also home to the Stage Stop Arts and Crafts Center, which sells handcrafted, locally-made goods. The town also hosts a chili cook-off, which draws thousands of visitors each year and features regional chili recipes and live entertainment. For a refreshing break from shopping, residents and visitors can head to the town park, which has exercise equipment for both adults and children. There are also benches available for a quiet moment.
A good way to gauge the affordability of housing in Chugwater is to look at the rent burden. Rent burden is the percentage of household income spent on rental housing. It is useful to compare rental costs to the state's average, which is 25.6%. In contrast, neighboring cities Morrill and Kersey have lower rent burdens than Chugwater. Moreover, 19.0% of the housing units in Chugwater are occupied by renters.