Median Income
$41,250
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,900
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.5%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$525
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Arlington Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population452
Median Age48.9 yrs
Density452/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$41,250
Per Capita$26,936
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$1,075M
Commute41 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,900
Rent$525
Ownership90.7%
Zillow$275,659
Housing Units205
Rent Burden33.8%
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured3.1%
Smoking18.2%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Elevation1,135 ft (346 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.5%
High School+87.7%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute41 min
Broadband65.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Arlington a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Arlington receives an overall livability score of 3.5 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 below-average incomes, long commute times, high obesity rates. Arlington offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Arlington is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. 11.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Arlington is $110,900, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $525 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Arlington experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches, including 40.3 inches of snow.
Arlington has a population of 452 with a density of 452 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 48.9 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.1% female and 46.9% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 7.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 25.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
452
Total Population
2023 Census
48.9yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Arlington vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Arlington vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Arlington is $41,250, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,936 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $939, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 680 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 41 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Arlington vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,250 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,936 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,872 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 680 |
| County GDP | $1,075M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 41.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.5% |
The median home value in Arlington is $110,900, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,659, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $525 (55% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 205 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,224. 33.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,900 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $275,659 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $525 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.3% |
| Housing Units | 205 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.91% |
In Arlington, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.2% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 3.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210. The dentist ratio is 1:1,754. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Arlington vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 3.1% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,210 |
| Dentists | 1:1,754 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,201 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Arlington experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. The area receives 40.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,135 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,135 ft (346 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 452/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7488°N, 91.6710°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.96"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.8 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
547 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 404 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
23 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
16 km |
2 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
5.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Arlington has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (6.0") and January the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Arlington. 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 | $702 |
| Toddler | $604 |
| Preschool | $604 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $461 |
| Toddler | $453 |
| Preschool | $453 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Arlington
What is the population of Arlington?
Arlington has a population of 452 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 452 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.1% female and 46.9% male.
Is Arlington expensive to live in?
Arlington 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 $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,900 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $525 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Arlington?
Arlington has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches, with 40.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Arlington?
The job market in Arlington is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $939. There are 680 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 41 minutes, and 0.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Arlington?
The median home value in Arlington is $110,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,659. For renters, the median monthly rent is $525. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,224.
How are the schools in Arlington?
Schools in Arlington score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.5% of adults in Arlington hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Arlington?
The obesity rate in Arlington is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 3.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210.
What is transportation like in Arlington?
The average commute in Arlington is 41 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Arlington?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Arlington is 90.3% White, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 25.9% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.