Median Income
$48,750
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,400
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
26/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.2%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$589
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.7%
107% higher than US avg
How Blakesburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population252
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density933/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans9.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,750
Per Capita$30,127
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty25.7%
County GDP$407M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,400
Rent$589
Ownership67.6%
Zillow$231,842
Housing Units137
Rent Burden33.9%
Crime
F
Violent26/100K
Property1,000/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking18.1%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation911 ft (278 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.2%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score5.55
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute24 min
Broadband75.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Blakesburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Blakesburg receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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, high obesity rates. Blakesburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Blakesburg is $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 25.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Blakesburg is $79,400, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $589 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
Blakesburg is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 26 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,000 per 100,000, 49% below the national average.
Education
10.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Blakesburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Blakesburg has a population of 252 with a density of 933 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.7% female and 39.3% male. The city is predominantly White (83.7%), with 15.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 9.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Blakesburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Blakesburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Blakesburg is $48,750, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,127 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $974, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 256 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Blakesburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,750 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,127 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $974 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,369 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.7% |
| 107% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 256 |
| County GDP | $407M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,575 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Blakesburg is $79,400, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,842, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $589 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 137 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,575. 33.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,400 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,842 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $85 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $589 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.4% |
| Housing Units | 137 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,575 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.50% |
In Blakesburg, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.7% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,569. The dentist ratio is 1:4,565. 41.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Blakesburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 37.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,569 |
| Dentists | 1:4,565 |
| Mental Health | 1:9,169 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,768/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Blakesburg has a violent crime rate of 26 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,000 per 100,000, 49% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Blakesburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Blakesburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 26.3/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,000.0/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Blakesburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 911 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 911 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 933/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9620°N, 92.6347°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Davis County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.6"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
459 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 206 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
54 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (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 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Blakesburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Blakesburg. 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 | $724 |
| Toddler | $624 |
| Preschool | $624 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $476 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $468 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blakesburg
What is the population of Blakesburg?
Blakesburg has a population of 252 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 933 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years. The population is 60.7% female and 39.3% male.
Is Blakesburg expensive to live in?
Blakesburg 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 $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,400 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $589 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 Blakesburg safe?
Blakesburg is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 26 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,000 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Blakesburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Blakesburg?
Blakesburg 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 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Blakesburg?
The job market in Blakesburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $974. There are 256 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Blakesburg?
The median home value in Blakesburg is $79,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,842. For renters, the median monthly rent is $589. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,575.
How are the schools in Blakesburg?
Schools in Blakesburg score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.2% of adults in Blakesburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Blakesburg?
The obesity rate in Blakesburg is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 41.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,569.
What is transportation like in Blakesburg?
The average commute in Blakesburg is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Blakesburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Blakesburg is 83.7% White, 15.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 9.8% of the population are military veterans. 17.6% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
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