Median Income
$66,250
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$59,200
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
276/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.4%
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Archer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population144
Median Age44.0 yrs
Density1,600/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans98.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,250
Per Capita$31,865
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$1,250M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$59,200
Ownership83.1%
Zillow$215,358
Housing Units68
Rent Burden23.7%
Crime
F
Violent276/100K
Property1,697/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking17.6%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,470 ft (448 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.4%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute14 min
Broadband59.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Archer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Archer receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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 high obesity rates. Archer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Archer is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Archer is $59,200, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Archer is below the national average at 276 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Archer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.1 inches, including 41.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Archer has a population of 144 with a density of 1,600 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 44.0 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 98.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.0yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
The median household income in Archer is $66,250, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,865 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $931, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 626 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,250 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,865 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $931 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,168 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 626 |
| County GDP | $1,250M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 44 |
| Retail | 79 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Archer is $59,200, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,358, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 68 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,914. 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $59,200 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $215,358 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.9% |
| Housing Units | 68 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,914 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.61% |
In Archer, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.0% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,752. The dentist ratio is 1:2,009. 87.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Archer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,752 |
| Dentists | 1:2,009 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,802 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,489/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
Archer has a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,697 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Archer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Archer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 276.2/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,696.9/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Archer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.1 inches. The area receives 41.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,470 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,470 ft (448 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,600/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1150°N, 95.7442°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | O'Brien County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.1"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 16.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
640 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 7 fatalities, 186 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
79 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Archer has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Archer. 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 | $659 |
| Toddler | $568 |
| Preschool | $568 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $445 |
| Toddler | $437 |
| Preschool | $437 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Archer
What is the population of Archer?
Archer has a population of 144 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,600 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
Is Archer expensive to live in?
Archer 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 $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $59,200 (79% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Archer safe?
Archer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Archer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Archer?
Archer has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.1 inches, with 41.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Archer?
The job market in Archer is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $931. There are 626 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Archer?
The median home value in Archer is $59,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,358. The homeownership rate is 83.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,914.
How are the schools in Archer?
Schools in Archer score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.4% of adults in Archer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Archer?
The obesity rate in Archer is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 87.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,752.
What is transportation like in Archer?
The average commute in Archer is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 95.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Archer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Archer is 100% White. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 98.0% of the population are military veterans. 29.5% of residents have a disability. 83.3% have health insurance coverage.
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