Median Income
$81,354
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$175,300
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
276/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$765
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Boyden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population702
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density1,032/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$81,354
Per Capita$39,164
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$3,920M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$175,300
Rent$765
Ownership83.5%
Zillow$274,894
Housing Units275
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
F
Violent276/100K
Property1,697/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking14.8%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain29.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,423 ft (434 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute17 min
Broadband85.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Boyden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Boyden receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Boyden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Boyden is $81,354, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 9.0% 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 Boyden is $175,300, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Boyden is below the national average at 276 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Boyden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.9 inches, including 34.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Boyden has a population of 702 with a density of 1,032 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46% female and 54% male. The city is predominantly White (98%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 5.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Boyden is $81,354, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,164. The average weekly wage is $1,072, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,576 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,354 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,164 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,072 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,219 |
| Gini Index | 0.406 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,576 |
| County GDP | $3,920M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 158 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,429 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Boyden is $175,300, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,894, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $765 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 275 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,429 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $175,300 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $274,894 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $765 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.5% |
| Housing Units | 275 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,429 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.10% |
In Boyden, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 21.0% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,238. The dentist ratio is 1:1,897. 79.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Boyden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 28.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,238 |
| Dentists | 1:1,897 |
| Mental Health | 1:585 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 70.0% |
| Premature Death | 3,914/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Boyden has a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,697 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Boyden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Boyden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 276.2/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,696.9/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Boyden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 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 29.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 34.8 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 1,423 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,423 ft (434 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,032/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1891°N, 96.0032°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sioux County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.9"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
83 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
651 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 194 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
68 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Boyden has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Boyden. 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 Boyden
What is the population of Boyden?
Boyden has a population of 702 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,032 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 46% female and 54% male.
Is Boyden expensive to live in?
Boyden 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 $81,354, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $175,300 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Boyden safe?
Boyden is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Boyden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Boyden?
Boyden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.9 inches, with 34.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Boyden?
The job market in Boyden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,072. There are 1,576 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Boyden?
The median home value in Boyden is $175,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,894. For renters, the median monthly rent is $765. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,429.
How are the schools in Boyden?
Schools in Boyden score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in Boyden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Boyden?
The obesity rate in Boyden is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 79.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,238.
What is transportation like in Boyden?
The average commute in Boyden is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Boyden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Boyden is 98% White, 1% Black or African American. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 5.4% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
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