Median Income
$50,313
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,700
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.8%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$533
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.9%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.4%
106% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.1%
70% higher than US avg
How Boxholm Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population172
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density172/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
C
Median Income$50,313
Per Capita$26,303
Unemployment7.4%
Poverty21.1%
County GDP$721M
Commute40 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,700
Rent$533
Ownership80.5%
Zillow$141,498
Housing Units84
Rent Burden19.1%
Health
Obesity42.9%
Uninsured2.4%
Smoking14.9%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Elevation1,140 ft (347 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.8%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute40 min
Broadband89.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Boxholm a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Boxholm receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Boxholm offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Boxholm is $50,313, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 21.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Boxholm is $72,700, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $533 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
6.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Boxholm experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 35.9 inches of snow.
Boxholm has a population of 172 with a density of 172 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.3% female and 54.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.1%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
172
Total Population
2023 Census
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Boxholm is $50,313, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,303 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 310 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,313 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,303 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,253 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.4% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.1% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 310 |
| County GDP | $721M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,447 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 39.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Boxholm is $72,700, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,498, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $533 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 84 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,447. 19.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,700 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,498 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $533 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.5% |
| Housing Units | 84 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,447 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.74% |
In Boxholm, 42.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 2.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,453. The dentist ratio is 1:2,914. 63.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Boxholm vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.9% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 2.4% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,453 |
| Dentists | 1:2,914 |
| Mental Health | 1:954 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,201/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Boxholm experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches. The area receives 35.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,140 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,140 ft (347 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 172/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1736°N, 94.1061°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Greene County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.38"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
702 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 23 fatalities, 550 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
33 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
79 km |
6 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
65 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
64 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
86 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 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Boxholm has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Boxholm. 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 | $692 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Boxholm
What is the population of Boxholm?
Boxholm has a population of 172 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 172 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 45.3% female and 54.7% male.
Is Boxholm expensive to live in?
Boxholm 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 $50,313, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,700 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $533 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Boxholm?
Boxholm has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 35.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Boxholm?
The unemployment rate in Boxholm is 7.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 310 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 40 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Boxholm?
The median home value in Boxholm is $72,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,498. For renters, the median monthly rent is $533. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,447.
How are the schools in Boxholm?
Schools in Boxholm score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.8% of adults in Boxholm hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Boxholm?
The obesity rate in Boxholm is 42.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 2.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 63.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,453.
What is transportation like in Boxholm?
The average commute in Boxholm is 40 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Boxholm?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Boxholm is 97.1% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.