Median Income
$67,791
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,500
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
376/100K
1% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.4%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$803
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.0%
68% lower than US avg
How Albia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,688
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density1,135/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,791
Per Capita$34,558
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty4.0%
County GDP$619M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,500
Rent$803
Ownership77.4%
Zillow$164,779
Housing Units1,868
Rent Burden33.4%
Crime
F
Violent376/100K
Property1,718/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault295/100K
Burglary591/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking15.7%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation962 ft (293 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.4%
High School+95.1%
Graduate+6.4%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute23 min
Broadband83.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Albia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Albia receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Albia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Albia is $67,791, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Albia is $132,500, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $803 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Albia is below the national average at 376 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,718 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
23.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Albia experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches, including 30.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Albia has a population of 3,688 with a density of 1,135 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%), with 3.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Albia is $67,791, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,558 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,282. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 254 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,791 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,558 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,282 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,506 |
| Gini Index | 0.398 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.0% |
| 68% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 254 |
| County GDP | $619M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,571 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
The median home value in Albia is $132,500, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,779, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $803 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,868 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $3,571. 33.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,500 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,779 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $803 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,868 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,571 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
In Albia, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,902. The dentist ratio is 1:2,517. 69.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Albia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,902 |
| Dentists | 1:2,517 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,501 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,727/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Albia has a violent crime rate of 376 per 100,000 residents, 1% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 295.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 80.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,718 per 100,000, 12% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 966, burglary at 591, vehicle theft at 161 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Albia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Albia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 375.8/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 80.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 295.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,718.1/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| Burglary | 590.6/100K |
| Theft | 966.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 161.1/100K |
| Arson | 26.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Albia experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 36.5 inches. The area receives 30.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 962 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 962 ft (293 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,135/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0265°N, 92.8038°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Monroe County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
483 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 198 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
69 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Albia has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Albia. 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 | $671 |
| Toddler | $578 |
| Preschool | $578 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $453 |
| Toddler | $446 |
| Preschool | $446 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Albia
What is the population of Albia?
Albia has a population of 3,688 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,135 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Albia expensive to live in?
Albia 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 $67,791, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,500 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $803 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Albia safe?
Albia is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 376 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,718 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Albia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Albia?
Albia has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches, with 30.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Albia?
The job market in Albia is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,282. There are 254 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 9.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Albia?
The median home value in Albia is $132,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,779. For renters, the median monthly rent is $803. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,571.
How are the schools in Albia?
Schools in Albia score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.4% of adults in Albia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Albia?
The obesity rate in Albia is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 69.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,902.
What is transportation like in Albia?
The average commute in Albia is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Albia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Albia is 92.5% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.