Median Income
$47,813
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,000
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$800
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Barnes City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population140
Median Age43.4 yrs
Density237/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$47,813
Per Capita$27,170
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,654M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$100,000
Rent$800
Ownership69.8%
Zillow$161,361
Housing Units72
Rent Burden22.5%
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking17.5%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Elevation902 ft (275 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+89.1%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute24 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Barnes City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Barnes City receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Barnes City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Barnes City is $47,813, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Barnes City is $100,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $800 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Barnes City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches, including 30.0 inches of snow.
Barnes City has a population of 140 with a density of 237 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 43.4 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (97.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 89.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
140
Total Population
2023 Census
43.4yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Barnes City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Barnes City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Barnes City is $47,813, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,170 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,108, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 699 business establishments, including 47 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. 15.0% of workers work from home.
Income: Barnes City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,813 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,170 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,108 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,315 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 699 |
| County GDP | $1,654M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.0% |
The median home value in Barnes City is $100,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,361, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $800 (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. 69.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 72 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,683 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $100,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $161,361 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $800 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.2% |
| Housing Units | 72 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.68% |
In Barnes City, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.1% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162. The dentist ratio is 1:1,679. 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Barnes City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.3% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,162 |
| Dentists | 1:1,679 |
| Mental Health | 1:595 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,568/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
Barnes City 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. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. The area receives 30.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 902 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 902 ft (275 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 237/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5070°N, 92.4695°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Poweshiek County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.51"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very 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 Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
604 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 20 fatalities, 423 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
99 km |
2 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
78 km |
6 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (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 |
68 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
44 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
44 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
47 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Barnes City has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Barnes City. 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 | $699 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $472 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Barnes City
What is the population of Barnes City?
Barnes City has a population of 140 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 237 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Barnes City expensive to live in?
Barnes City 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 $47,813, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $100,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $800 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Barnes City?
Barnes City 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. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches, with 30.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Barnes City?
The job market in Barnes City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,108. There are 699 business establishments in the area, including 47 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 15.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Barnes City?
The median home value in Barnes City is $100,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,361. For renters, the median monthly rent is $800. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,683.
How are the schools in Barnes City?
Schools in Barnes City score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.9% of adults in Barnes City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.1% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Barnes City?
The obesity rate in Barnes City is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162.
What is transportation like in Barnes City?
The average commute in Barnes City is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Barnes City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Barnes City is 97.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 89.3% have health insurance coverage.