Median Income
$59,519
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,300
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
291/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.1%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$450
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Battle Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population822
Median Age47.6 yrs
Density1,442/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,519
Per Capita$31,828
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$746M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,300
Rent$450
Ownership79.9%
Zillow$110,308
Housing Units434
Rent Burden26.2%
Crime
F
Violent291/100K
Property1,181/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking17.9%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,198 ft (365 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.1%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute16 min
Broadband77.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Battle Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Battle Creek receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Battle Creek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Battle Creek is $59,519, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Battle Creek is $72,300, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $450 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Battle Creek is below the national average at 291 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
9.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Battle Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Battle Creek has a population of 822 with a density of 1,442 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 47.6 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.6yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Battle Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Battle Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Battle Creek is $59,519, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,828 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,161, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (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 302 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.3% of workers work from home.
Income: Battle Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,519 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,828 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,161 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,968 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 302 |
| County GDP | $746M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.3% |
The median home value in Battle Creek is $72,300, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $110,308, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $450 (61% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 434 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,958. 26.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,300 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $110,308 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $450 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.1% |
| Housing Units | 434 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.47% |
In Battle Creek, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.9% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,478. The dentist ratio is 1:2,296. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Battle Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,478 |
| Dentists | 1:2,296 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,456/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Battle Creek has a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Battle Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Battle Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.5/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,181.5/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Battle Creek experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,198 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,198 ft (365 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,442/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3170°N, 95.6000°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ida County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.1"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.0 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
565 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 185 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
89 km |
3 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
72 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Battle Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Battle Creek. 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 | $668 |
| Toddler | $576 |
| Preschool | $576 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $439 |
| Toddler | $432 |
| Preschool | $432 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Battle Creek
What is the population of Battle Creek?
Battle Creek has a population of 822 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,442 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Battle Creek expensive to live in?
Battle Creek 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 $59,519, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,300 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $450 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Battle Creek safe?
Battle Creek is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Battle Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Battle Creek?
Battle Creek has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Battle Creek?
The job market in Battle Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,161. There are 302 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 16.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Battle Creek?
The median home value in Battle Creek is $72,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $110,308. For renters, the median monthly rent is $450. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,958.
How are the schools in Battle Creek?
Schools in Battle Creek score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.1% of adults in Battle Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Battle Creek?
The obesity rate in Battle Creek is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,478.
What is transportation like in Battle Creek?
The average commute in Battle Creek is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Battle Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Battle Creek is 97.1% White, 1% Black or African American. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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