Median Income
$87,083
16% higher than US avg
Home Value
$202,400
28% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
618/100K
63% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.2%
10% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,158
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Blue Grass Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,867
Median Age46.3 yrs
Density591/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$87,083
Per Capita$48,644
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$12,607M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$202,400
Rent$1,158
Ownership81.5%
Zillow$338,925
Housing Units843
Rent Burden27.7%
Crime
F
Violent618/100K
Property850/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking15.5%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation798 ft (243 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.2%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+9.6%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute23 min
Broadband89.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries11
Is Blue Grass a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Blue Grass receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Blue Grass offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Blue Grass is $87,083, 16% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Blue Grass is $202,400, 28% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,158 per month. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 618 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 850 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
30.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Blue Grass experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°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 38.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Blue Grass has a population of 1,867 with a density of 591 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 46.3 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.9% female and 44.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.3yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Blue Grass vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Blue Grass vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Blue Grass is $87,083, which is 16% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $48,644 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,391. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,880 business establishments, including 375 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.0% of workers work from home.
Income: Blue Grass vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,083 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $48,644 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,391 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,635 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,880 |
| County GDP | $12,607M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 375 |
| Healthcare | 405 |
| Retail | 411 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.0% |
The median home value in Blue Grass is $202,400, 28% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $338,925, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.5% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,158 (0% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 843 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $6,655 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $202,400 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $338,925 |
| Median List Price | $259,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $259,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $228 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,158 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.5% |
| Housing Units | 843 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.29% |
In Blue Grass, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 24.4% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,042. The dentist ratio is 1:1,275. 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Blue Grass vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,042 |
| Dentists | 1:1,275 |
| Mental Health | 1:334 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,429/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 405 |
Blue Grass has a violent crime rate of 618 per 100,000 residents, 63% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 850 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Blue Grass receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Blue Grass vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 618.2/100K |
| 63% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 850.1/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Blue Grass 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. 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 38.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 798 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 798 ft (243 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 591/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5102°N, 90.7669°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rock Island County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
626 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 261 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1966 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1965 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1962 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1953 |
EF3 |
85 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 |
52 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
52 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
52 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Blue Grass has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Blue Grass. 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 | $1,220 |
| Toddler | $931 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $729 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Grass
What is the population of Blue Grass?
Blue Grass has a population of 1,867 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 591 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.9% female and 44.1% male.
Is Blue Grass expensive to live in?
Blue Grass 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 $87,083, 16% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $202,400 (28% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,158 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Blue Grass safe?
Public safety is a concern in Blue Grass, with a violent crime rate of 618 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 850 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Blue Grass receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Blue Grass?
Blue Grass 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. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Blue Grass?
Blue Grass has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,391. There are 2,880 business establishments in the area, including 375 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 16.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Blue Grass?
The median home value in Blue Grass is $202,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $338,925. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,158. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,655.
How are the schools in Blue Grass?
Schools in Blue Grass score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.2% of adults in Blue Grass hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 9.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Blue Grass?
The obesity rate in Blue Grass is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,042.
What is transportation like in Blue Grass?
The average commute in Blue Grass is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Blue Grass?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Blue Grass is 92% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
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