Median Income
$40,000
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$68,500
76% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
95/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.9%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$450
61% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.0%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Bonaparte Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population382
Median Age36.0 yrs
Density1,032/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans10.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$40,000
Per Capita$22,773
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$295M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$68,500
Rent$450
Ownership61.0%
Zillow$187,681
Housing Units177
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent95/100K
Property3,016/100K
Health
Obesity39.0%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking18.3%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation596 ft (182 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.9%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.21
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute25 min
Broadband74.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Bonaparte a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bonaparte receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bonaparte has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bonaparte is $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bonaparte is $68,500, 76% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $450 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.
Safety & Crime
Bonaparte is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,016 per 100,000, 54% above the national average.
Education
8.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Bonaparte experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°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 39.7 inches, including 23.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bonaparte has a population of 382 with a density of 1,032 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 36.0 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 10.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.0yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bonaparte vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bonaparte vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bonaparte is $40,000, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,773 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $890, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.8% 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 25 minutes. 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bonaparte vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,773 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $890 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,133 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% 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 | 4.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Bonaparte is $68,500, 76% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $187,681, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $450 (61% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 177 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $2,888 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% 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 | $68,500 |
| 76% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $187,681 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $450 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.0% |
| Housing Units | 177 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,888 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.22% |
In Bonaparte, 39.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.2% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 23.0% report depression. 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Bonaparte vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,207 |
| Dentists | 1:7,256 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,422 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,795/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 42.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Bonaparte has a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,016 per 100,000, 54% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bonaparte receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bonaparte vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 95.2/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,015.6/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bonaparte experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°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 39.7 inches. The area receives 23.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 596 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.6°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 596 ft (182 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,032/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7012°N, 91.8007°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Van Buren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL) 36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.7"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 8, 2004.
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
428 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 232 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
32 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
25 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1965 |
EF3 |
46 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 |
75 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Bonaparte has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Bonaparte. 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 Bonaparte
What is the population of Bonaparte?
Bonaparte has a population of 382 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,032 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Bonaparte expensive to live in?
Bonaparte 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 $40,000, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $68,500 (76% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $450 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.
Is Bonaparte safe?
Bonaparte is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,016 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bonaparte receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bonaparte?
Bonaparte has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 39.7 inches, with 23.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bonaparte?
The unemployment rate in Bonaparte is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 25 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bonaparte?
The median home value in Bonaparte is $68,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $187,681. For renters, the median monthly rent is $450. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,888.
How are the schools in Bonaparte?
Schools in Bonaparte score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.9% of adults in Bonaparte hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bonaparte?
The obesity rate in Bonaparte is 39.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 42.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,207.
What is transportation like in Bonaparte?
The average commute in Bonaparte is 25 minutes. 68.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bonaparte?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bonaparte is 94.2% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 10.9% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.