Median Income
$83,580
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$132,500
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
685/100K
80% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.0%
94% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$495
57% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.4%
40% lower than US avg
How Barnum Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population279
Median Age27.1 yrs
Density754/mi²
Male / Female70% / 30%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$83,580
Per Capita$31,001
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty7.4%
County GDP$2,759M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,500
Rent$495
Ownership91.6%
Zillow$198,730
Housing Units116
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent685/100K
Property4,979/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured5.7%
Smoking13.8%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,172 ft (357 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.0%
High School+92.6%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score4.82
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute17 min
Broadband95.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Barnum a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Barnum receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Barnum has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Barnum is $83,580, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Barnum is $132,500, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $495 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 685 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,979 per 100,000, 154% above the national average.
Education
2.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Barnum experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 16°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 35.1 inches, including 39.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Barnum has a population of 279 with a density of 754 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 27.1 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 29.7% female and 70.3% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.1yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Barnum is $83,580, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,001 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,091, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,198 business establishments, including 82 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,580 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,001 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,091 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,898 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.4% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,198 |
| County GDP | $2,759M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 126 |
| Retail | 140 |
| Manufacturing | 40 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,372 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Barnum is $132,500, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,730, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $495 (57% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 116 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $5,372 (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 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,500 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,730 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $495 |
| 57% 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 | 91.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.4% |
| Housing Units | 116 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,372 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.05% |
In Barnum, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 25.7% report binge drinking. 20.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.4% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 5.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322. The dentist ratio is 1:1,221. 83.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Barnum vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 25.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.3% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.7% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,322 |
| Dentists | 1:1,221 |
| Mental Health | 1:297 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 69.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,249/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 126 |
Barnum has a violent crime rate of 685 per 100,000 residents, 80% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,979 per 100,000, 154% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Barnum receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Barnum vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 685.0/100K |
| 80% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,978.8/100K |
| 154% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Barnum experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°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 35.1 inches. The area receives 39.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,172 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,172 ft (357 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 754/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5062°N, 94.3657°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Webster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.1"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
611 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 428 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
76 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
67 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
24 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
90 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 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Barnum has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Barnum. 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 | $674 |
| Toddler | $581 |
| Preschool | $581 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Barnum
What is the population of Barnum?
Barnum has a population of 279 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 754 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 29.7% female and 70.3% male.
Is Barnum expensive to live in?
Barnum 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 $83,580, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,500 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $495 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Barnum safe?
Public safety is a concern in Barnum, with a violent crime rate of 685 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,979 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Barnum receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Barnum?
Barnum has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°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 35.1 inches, with 39.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Barnum?
Barnum has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,091. There are 1,198 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Barnum?
The median home value in Barnum is $132,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,730. For renters, the median monthly rent is $495. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,372.
How are the schools in Barnum?
Schools in Barnum have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 2.0% of adults in Barnum hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Barnum?
The obesity rate in Barnum is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 20.3% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 5.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322.
What is transportation like in Barnum?
The average commute in Barnum is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Barnum?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Barnum is 94.6% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 9.2% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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