Median Income
$59,706
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$145,300
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
78/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.1%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Akron Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,660
Median Age42.5 yrs
Density1,350/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,706
Per Capita$33,148
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$2,261M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,300
Rent$700
Ownership71.0%
Zillow$219,292
Housing Units769
Rent Burden19.8%
Crime
F
Violent78/100K
Property940/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking15.2%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain28.0 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,153 ft (351 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.1%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute25 min
Broadband80.9%
EV Stations11
Libraries4
Is Akron a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Akron 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, high obesity rates. Akron offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Akron is $59,706, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Akron is $145,300, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Akron is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 940 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
19.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Akron experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Akron has a population of 1,660 with a density of 1,350 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 42.5 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%), with 3.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.5yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Akron is $59,706, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,148 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,409. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 878 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,706 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,148 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,409 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $187,706 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 878 |
| County GDP | $2,261M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 79 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $11,271 |
| 222% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Akron is $145,300, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,292, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 769 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $11,271 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,300 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $219,292 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.0% |
| Housing Units | 769 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $11,271 |
| 222% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.76% |
In Akron, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 23.8% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 20.9% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,109. The dentist ratio is 1:1,138. 70.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Akron vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,109 |
| Dentists | 1:1,138 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,148 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 66.4% |
| Premature Death | 4,783/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 79 |
Akron has a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 940 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Akron receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Akron vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 78.3/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 940.1/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Akron experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 28.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,153 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,153 ft (351 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,350/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8268°N, 96.5570°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.0"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
88 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
126 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
118 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
640 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 144 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1968 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Akron has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Akron. 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 | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Akron
What is the population of Akron?
Akron has a population of 1,660 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,350 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Akron expensive to live in?
Akron 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 $59,706, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $145,300 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Akron safe?
Akron is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 940 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Akron receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Akron?
Akron has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Akron?
The job market in Akron is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,409. There are 878 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Akron?
The median home value in Akron is $145,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,292. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.0%. The average annual property tax is $11,271.
How are the schools in Akron?
Schools in Akron score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.1% of adults in Akron hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Akron?
The obesity rate in Akron is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,109.
What is transportation like in Akron?
The average commute in Akron is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Akron?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Akron is 94.3% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.4% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
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