Median Income
$57,250
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,600
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
98/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.6%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$852
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.5%
88% lower than US avg
How Adair Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population853
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density384/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,250
Per Capita$35,262
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty1.5%
County GDP$663M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,600
Rent$852
Ownership69.4%
Zillow$194,100
Housing Units405
Rent Burden24.8%
Crime
F
Violent98/100K
Property1,562/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking18.4%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,466 ft (447 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.6%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute19 min
Broadband88.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Adair a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Adair receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Adair offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Adair is $57,250, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Adair is $126,600, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $852 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Adair is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,562 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Adair experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Adair has a population of 853 with a density of 384 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 89.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Adair is $57,250, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,262. The average weekly wage is $1,022, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 332 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,250 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,262 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,022 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,151 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.5% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 332 |
| County GDP | $663M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,267 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.58% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
The median home value in Adair is $126,600, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,100, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $852 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $706 for a one-bedroom to $926 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 405 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,267. 24.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,600 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $194,100 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $852 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $687 |
| 1 Bedroom | $706 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $926 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,201 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,285 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.6% |
| Housing Units | 405 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,267 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.58% |
In Adair, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.2% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,885. The dentist ratio is 1:1,874. 34.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Adair vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,885 |
| Dentists | 1:1,874 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,389 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,151/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 34.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Adair has a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,562 per 100,000, 20% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Adair receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Adair vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 97.6/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,561.7/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 118 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Adair experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,466 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,466 ft (447 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 384/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5002°N, 94.6441°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Adair County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM) 49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.0"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Jul 16, 2004.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
123 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
678 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 288 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
7 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
71 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
47 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
89 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
60 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Adair has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Adair. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $689 |
| Toddler | $593 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $452 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Adair
What is the population of Adair?
Adair has a population of 853 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 384 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Adair expensive to live in?
Adair is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,250, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,600 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $852 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Adair safe?
Adair is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,562 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Adair receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Adair?
Adair has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Adair?
The unemployment rate in Adair is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,022. There are 332 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 9.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Adair?
The median home value in Adair is $126,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,100. For renters, the median monthly rent is $852. Fair market rent is $706 for a 1-bedroom and $926 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,267.
How are the schools in Adair?
Schools in Adair score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.6% of adults in Adair hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Adair?
The obesity rate in Adair is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 34.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,885.
What is transportation like in Adair?
The average commute in Adair is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Adair?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Adair is 94.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 89.6% have health insurance coverage.