Median Income
$43,750
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,700
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
118/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.3%
90% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$917
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.5%
122% higher than US avg
How Bayard Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population399
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density907/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans13.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$43,750
Per Capita$24,002
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty27.5%
County GDP$753M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,700
Rent$917
Ownership78.1%
Zillow$105,773
Housing Units214
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent118/100K
Property1,346/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking17.0%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,136 ft (346 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.3%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+0.4%
School Score5.93
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute32 min
Broadband86.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is Bayard a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bayard receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bayard has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bayard is $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. The poverty rate of 27.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bayard is $57,700, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bayard is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
3.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Bayard experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bayard has a population of 399 with a density of 907 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (94%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 2.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 13.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Bayard is $43,750, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,002 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,041, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 27.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 395 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes. 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,750 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,002 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,854 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.5% |
| 122% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 395 |
| County GDP | $753M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,696 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 9.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Bayard is $57,700, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $105,773, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $917 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 214 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,696 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,700 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $105,773 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $917 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.9% |
| Housing Units | 214 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,696 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 9.87% |
In Bayard, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.2% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 20.7% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,522. The dentist ratio is 1:2,662. 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bayard vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,522 |
| Dentists | 1:2,662 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,574 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,483/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Bayard has a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bayard receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bayard vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 118.0/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,345.6/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bayard experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°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 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,136 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,136 ft (346 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 907/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8521°N, 94.5586°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Guthrie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
51 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.0"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very 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)
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 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
694 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 16 fatalities, 288 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
46 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
75 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
87 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
49 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Bayard has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Bayard. 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 | $711 |
| Toddler | $612 |
| Preschool | $612 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bayard
What is the population of Bayard?
Bayard has a population of 399 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 907 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Bayard expensive to live in?
Bayard 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 $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,700 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bayard safe?
Bayard is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bayard receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bayard?
Bayard 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 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bayard?
The job market in Bayard is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,041. There are 395 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bayard?
The median home value in Bayard is $57,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $105,773. For renters, the median monthly rent is $917. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,696.
How are the schools in Bayard?
Schools in Bayard score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.3% of adults in Bayard hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 0.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bayard?
The obesity rate in Bayard is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,522.
What is transportation like in Bayard?
The average commute in Bayard is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 85% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bayard?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bayard is 94% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 13.8% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
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