As of the census of 2010, there were 220 people, 97 households, and 61 families residing in the village. The population density was. There were 120 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the village was 88.6% White, 0.9% African American, 7.3% Native American, and 3.2% from two or more races. There were 97 households, of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.1% were non-families. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.85. The median age in the village was 44.3 years. 26.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.1% were from 25 to 44; 32.7% were from 45 to 64; and 15.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 231 people, 98 households, and 64 families residing in the village. The population density was 87.6 per square mile. There were 116 housing units at an average density of 44.0 per square mile. The racial makeup of the village was 94.37% White, 4.76% Native American, and 0.87% from two or more races. 58.5% were of Finnish, 12.5% German, 6.0% French and 5.5% English ancestry according to Census 2000. 92.3% spoke English and 7.7% Finnish as their first language. There were 98 households, out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.92. In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.2 males. The median income for a household in the village was $31,406, and the median income for a family was $37,188. Males had a median income of $28,125 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,266. About 4.9% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under the age of eighteen and 20.0% of those 65 or over.
History
The first settler came to Chatham in 1896, when the Munising Railway Company established a line through the town. The railroad company, along with the lumber company Sutherland Innis, platted a village where the railroad intersected the township road. Logging was the major economic activity in the area throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with Sutherland Innis, Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company, Northwestern Cooperage and Lumber Company and T.G. Sullivan having camps scattered throughout the area.
Recreation
There are a variety of recreational opportunities available in and around the Chatham area. For winter sports enthusiasts, a major snowmobile trail passes through, just north of the village along the old Soo Line railroad grade. The Chatham Ski Hill is located northeast of the village near the Pine Grove Cemetery and provides for downhill and cross country skiing. The Eben Ice Caves are a popular tourist destination located in the nearby community of Eben Junction and provide picturesque ice formations. The north country trail network passes just to the north of Chatham. During the summer months, ATVs are quite popular for exploring the area's trail system. Mountain biking, hiking, and walking are other activities. The Chatham area is also home to a variety of different streams, rivers and lakes which are locations for canoeists, kayackers and fishermen to enjoy. The village is also close to excellent state hunting land.
Chatham Homecoming & Alger County Fair
Every summer, Chatham plays host to the annual Alger County Fair and Homecoming celebration held at the Rock River Township Recreation Area. It is usually held the first weekend of August and features numerous agriculture, homemade, and livestock exhibits as well as popular events such as the Homecoming Parade, horse shows, chicken barbecue, antique car show, and much more. The event draws thousands of people from throughout the Upper Peninsula and Midwest.
