Median Income
$58,688
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$97,300
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.6%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$442
62% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
50% lower than US avg
How Birmingham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population479
Median Age51.6 yrs
Density474/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans12.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,688
Per Capita$29,161
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty6.2%
County GDP$295M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$97,300
Rent$442
Ownership78.1%
Zillow$198,817
Housing Units262
Rent Burden29.2%
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking18.2%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI46 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Elevation758 ft (231 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.6%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score5.21
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute20 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Birmingham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Birmingham receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Birmingham offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Birmingham is $58,688, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Birmingham is $97,300, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $442 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
9.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Birmingham experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches, including 21.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46.
Birmingham has a population of 479 with a density of 474 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 51.6 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (89.1%), with 11.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 12.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
479
Total Population
2023 Census
51.6yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Birmingham vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Birmingham vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Birmingham is $58,688, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,161 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $890, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 224 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Birmingham vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,688 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,161 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $890 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,133 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 224 |
| County GDP | $295M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,888 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Birmingham is $97,300, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,817, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $442 (62% 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 262 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,888 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $97,300 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,817 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $442 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.2% |
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 | 262 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,888 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.97% |
In Birmingham, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.1% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,207. The dentist ratio is 1:7,256. 42.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Birmingham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,207 |
| Dentists | 1:7,256 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,422 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,795/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Birmingham experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches. The area receives 21.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 46. 62% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 758 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 758 ft (231 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 474/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8785°N, 91.9479°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Van Buren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.51"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 46.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 62.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0462 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.21 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 71.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
464 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 278 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
54 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
24 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Sep 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1965 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1965 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
77 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
76 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
76 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Birmingham has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Birmingham. 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 | $670 |
| Toddler | $578 |
| Preschool | $578 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $440 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Birmingham
What is the population of Birmingham?
Birmingham has a population of 479 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 474 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Birmingham expensive to live in?
Birmingham 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 $58,688, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $97,300 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $442 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Birmingham?
Birmingham 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 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 21.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 46.
How is the job market in Birmingham?
The job market in Birmingham is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $890. There are 224 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Birmingham?
The median home value in Birmingham is $97,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,817. For renters, the median monthly rent is $442. 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 $2,888.
How are the schools in Birmingham?
Schools in Birmingham score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.6% of adults in Birmingham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Birmingham?
The obesity rate in Birmingham is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 42.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,207.
What is transportation like in Birmingham?
The average commute in Birmingham is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Birmingham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Birmingham is 89.1% White, 11.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 12.2% of the population are military veterans. 23.0% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.