Median Income
$51,136
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,200
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
28% lower than US avg
How Blue Rapids Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population918
Median Age46.4 yrs
Density461/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,136
Per Capita$46,048
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty8.9%
County GDP$704M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,200
Rent$775
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$101,985
Health
Obesity37.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F
AQI39 (Good)
Rain33.6 in/yr
Elevation1,161 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+86.3%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 24%
Commute17 min
Libraries6
Is Blue Rapids a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Blue Rapids receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Blue Rapids offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Blue Rapids is $51,136, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 8.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Blue Rapids is $55,200, 80% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Blue Rapids experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.6 inches, including 15.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Blue Rapids has a population of 918 with a density of 461 people per square mile. The median age is 46.4 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (92.8%), with 1.1% Hispanic.
Population
46.4yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Blue Rapids vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 94.6% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Spanish | 5.4% |
| 60% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Blue Rapids vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Blue Rapids is $51,136, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes.
Income: Blue Rapids vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,136 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,048 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $945 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,725 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.9% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 413 |
| County GDP | $704M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 59 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,167 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.8 min |
| Work from Home | 0.2% |
The median home value in Blue Rapids is $55,200, 80% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $101,985.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,200 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $101,985 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,167 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.74% |
In Blue Rapids, 37.9% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.8% report depression. 27.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Blue Rapids vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,485/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Crime Rates: Blue Rapids vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
Safety Score
Blue Rapids has an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation is 33.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.5°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 33.6 inches |
| 12% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 15.8 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,161 ft (354 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 461/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6784°N, 96.6589°W |
| County FIPS | 20117 |