Median Income
$55,625
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,500
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.9%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$562
52% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Alden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population792
Median Age43.9 yrs
Density508/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,625
Per Capita$30,371
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$1,142M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,500
Rent$562
Ownership64.0%
Zillow$168,747
Housing Units382
Rent Burden18.6%
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured2.0%
Smoking16.5%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain34.9 in/yr
Elevation1,164 ft (355 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.9%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute15 min
Broadband75.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Alden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alden receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Alden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alden is $55,625, 26% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alden is $102,500, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $562 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
9.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Alden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.9 inches, including 30.0 inches of snow.
Alden has a population of 792 with a density of 508 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 43.9 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.2% female and 54.8% male. The city is predominantly White (90.7%), with 11.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.3% of residents, while 10% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
792
Total Population
2023 Census
43.9yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.3%
16% above US avg
Spanish
10.0%
25% below US avg
The median household income in Alden is $55,625, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,371 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 650 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,625 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,371 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,609 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 650 |
| County GDP | $1,142M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,023 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
The median home value in Alden is $102,500, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,747, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $562 (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. 64.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 382 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $4,023. 18.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,500 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $168,747 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $562 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.0% |
| Housing Units | 382 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,023 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.92% |
In Alden, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 2.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,785. The dentist ratio is 1:1,381. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 2.0% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,785 |
| Dentists | 1:1,381 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,058 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 66.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,029/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Alden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.9 inches. The area receives 30.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,164 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,164 ft (355 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 508/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5116°N, 93.3803°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hardin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.9"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.85"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
695 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 1,168 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
41 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
36 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
39 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
89 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Alden has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.9") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Alden. 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 | $697 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $458 |
| Toddler | $450 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alden
What is the population of Alden?
Alden has a population of 792 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 508 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.2% female and 54.8% male.
Is Alden expensive to live in?
Alden 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 $55,625, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,500 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $562 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Alden?
Alden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.9 inches, with 30.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Alden?
Alden has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 650 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alden?
The median home value in Alden is $102,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $168,747. For renters, the median monthly rent is $562. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,023.
How are the schools in Alden?
Schools in Alden score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.9% of adults in Alden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alden?
The obesity rate in Alden is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 2.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,785.
What is transportation like in Alden?
The average commute in Alden is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alden is 90.7% White, 11.9% Hispanic or Latino. 91.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 10% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.