Median Income
$57,232
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,700
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.7%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$564
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
32% lower than US avg
How Afton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population991
Median Age35.6 yrs
Density981/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,232
Per Capita$29,295
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty8.4%
County GDP$965M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,700
Rent$564
Ownership69.8%
Zillow$119,194
Housing Units434
Rent Burden19.6%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property1,872/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking16.7%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,230 ft (375 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.7%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute18 min
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Afton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Afton receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Afton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Afton is $57,232, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 8.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Afton is $99,700, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $564 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Afton is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
23.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Afton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Afton has a population of 991 with a density of 981 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 35.6 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.8% female and 56.2% male. The city is predominantly White (86.3%), with 2.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.3% of residents, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 19.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.6yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.3%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.7%
57% below US avg
The median household income in Afton is $57,232, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,295 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 459 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,232 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,295 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,108 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.4% |
| 32% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 459 |
| County GDP | $965M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,256 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Afton is $99,700, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,194, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $564 (52% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 434 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $4,256 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $99,700 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $119,194 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $564 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.2% |
| Housing Units | 434 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,256 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.27% |
In Afton, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,002. The dentist ratio is 1:1,981. 83.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Afton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,002 |
| Dentists | 1:1,981 |
| Mental Health | 1:458 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,896/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Afton has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,872 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Afton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Afton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 265.7/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,872.5/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Afton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,230 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,230 ft (375 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 981/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0276°N, 94.1953°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.9 / 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 Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
122 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
636 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 23 fatalities, 395 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
63 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
63 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
23 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
92 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Afton has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Afton. 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 | $662 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $439 |
| Preschool | $439 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Afton
What is the population of Afton?
Afton has a population of 991 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 981 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.8% female and 56.2% male.
Is Afton expensive to live in?
Afton 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 $57,232, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,700 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $564 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Afton safe?
Afton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Afton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Afton?
Afton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Afton?
The job market in Afton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 459 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Afton?
The median home value in Afton is $99,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,194. For renters, the median monthly rent is $564. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,256.
How are the schools in Afton?
Schools in Afton score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.7% of adults in Afton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Afton?
The obesity rate in Afton is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 83.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,002.
What is transportation like in Afton?
The average commute in Afton is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Afton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Afton is 86.3% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 19.8% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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