Median Income
$65,375
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$114,500
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.9%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$717
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.4%
8% lower than US avg
How Anita Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,060
Median Age47.9 yrs
Density596/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,375
Per Capita$35,375
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty11.4%
County GDP$991M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$114,500
Rent$717
Ownership87.1%
Zillow$173,482
Housing Units503
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured1.5%
Smoking19.0%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Elevation1,261 ft (384 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.9%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute24 min
Broadband82.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Anita a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Anita receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Anita offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Anita is $65,375, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. 11.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Anita is $114,500, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $717 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
15.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Anita experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches, including 27.3 inches of snow.
Anita has a population of 1,060 with a density of 596 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 47.9 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%), with 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,060
Total Population
2023 Census
47.9yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Anita is $65,375, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,375. The average weekly wage is $942, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 541 business establishments, including 31 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,375 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,375 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $942 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,633 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.4% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 541 |
| County GDP | $991M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 31 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,055 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Anita is $114,500, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,482, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $717 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 503 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,055 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $114,500 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $173,482 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $717 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.9% |
| Housing Units | 503 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,055 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.54% |
In Anita, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.6% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 1.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,175. The dentist ratio is 1:936. 72.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Anita vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 1.5% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,175 |
| Dentists | 1:936 |
| Mental Health | 1:219 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,565/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Anita experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. The area receives 27.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,261 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,261 ft (384 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 596/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4437°N, 94.7660°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cass County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.74"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively 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 |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Dec 17, 2009.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
112 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
106 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
666 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 355 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
6 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
62 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
53 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
91 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 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Anita has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Anita. 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 | $660 |
| Toddler | $568 |
| Preschool | $568 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $445 |
| Toddler | $438 |
| Preschool | $438 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Anita
What is the population of Anita?
Anita has a population of 1,060 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 596 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Anita expensive to live in?
Anita 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 $65,375, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $114,500 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $717 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 Anita?
Anita has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches, with 27.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Anita?
The job market in Anita is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $942. There are 541 business establishments in the area, including 31 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Anita?
The median home value in Anita is $114,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,482. For renters, the median monthly rent is $717. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,055.
How are the schools in Anita?
Schools in Anita score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.9% of adults in Anita hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Anita?
The obesity rate in Anita is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 1.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 72.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,175.
What is transportation like in Anita?
The average commute in Anita is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Anita?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Anita is 94.3% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.