Median Income
$60,625
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$162,300
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
364/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$693
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.2%
10% lower than US avg
How Baxter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,251
Median Age33.0 yrs
Density1,925/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,625
Per Capita$29,915
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty11.2%
County GDP$1,523M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$162,300
Rent$693
Ownership75.2%
Zillow$256,316
Housing Units468
Rent Burden38.0%
Crime
F
Violent364/100K
Property3,858/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking15.3%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,007 ft (307 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute27 min
Broadband80.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Baxter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Baxter receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Baxter offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Baxter is $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. 11.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Baxter is $162,300, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $693 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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Baxter is below the national average at 364 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,858 per 100,000, 97% above the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Baxter experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.1 inches, including 28.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Baxter has a population of 1,251 with a density of 1,925 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 33.0 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (99.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.0yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Baxter is $60,625, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,915 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $960, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 984 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,625 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,915 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $960 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,700 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.2% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 984 |
| County GDP | $1,523M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 66 |
| Retail | 96 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,099 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Baxter is $162,300, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,316, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $693 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 468 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,099 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.0% 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 | $162,300 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $256,316 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $693 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.8% |
| Housing Units | 468 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,099 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.53% |
In Baxter, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,518. The dentist ratio is 1:1,897. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Baxter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 29.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,518 |
| Dentists | 1:1,897 |
| Mental Health | 1:862 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 73.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,112/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 66 |
Baxter has a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 residents, 4% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,858 per 100,000, 97% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Baxter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Baxter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 364.0/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,858.1/100K |
| 97% 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 |
Baxter experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 35.1 inches. The area receives 28.7 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 1,007 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,007 ft (307 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,925/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8252°N, 93.1525°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jasper County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
36 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 | 43.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.2 / 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 |
Relatively 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
718 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 23 fatalities, 489 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
84 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
40 km |
2 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
16 km |
6 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
50 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 |
29 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
74 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Baxter has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Baxter. 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 | $691 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Baxter
What is the population of Baxter?
Baxter has a population of 1,251 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,925 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Baxter expensive to live in?
Baxter 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 $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,300 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $693 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.
Is Baxter safe?
Baxter is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,858 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Baxter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Baxter?
Baxter has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.1 inches, with 28.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Baxter?
The job market in Baxter is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $960. There are 984 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Baxter?
The median home value in Baxter is $162,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,316. For renters, the median monthly rent is $693. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,099.
How are the schools in Baxter?
Schools in Baxter score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Baxter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Baxter?
The obesity rate in Baxter is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,518.
What is transportation like in Baxter?
The average commute in Baxter is 27 minutes. 83.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Baxter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Baxter is 99.5% White. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
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