Median Income
$61,875
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$100,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
77/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,013
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
5% lower than US avg
How Brandon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population328
Median Age36.5 yrs
Density1,025/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,875
Per Capita$27,020
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty11.8%
County GDP$1,137M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$100,000
Rent$1,013
Ownership62.5%
Zillow$220,673
Housing Units132
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent77/100K
Property1,162/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking15.3%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation832 ft (254 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute25 min
Broadband83.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Brandon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brandon receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Brandon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brandon is $61,875, 18% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brandon is $100,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,013 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Brandon is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Brandon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Brandon has a population of 328 with a density of 1,025 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 36.5 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.8% female and 55.2% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.5yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Brandon is $61,875, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,020 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 720 business establishments, including 35 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. 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,875 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,020 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,010 |
| Gini Index | 0.389 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.8% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 720 |
| County GDP | $1,137M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 85 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,120 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Brandon is $100,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,673, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,013 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 132 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $4,120 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $100,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $220,673 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,013 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.5% |
| Housing Units | 132 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,120 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.12% |
In Brandon, 37.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 24.2% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 20.9% report depression. 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,138. The dentist ratio is 1:4,285. 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brandon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,138 |
| Dentists | 1:4,285 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,984 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,615/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Brandon has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brandon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brandon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 77.5/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,162.1/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 54 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brandon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. The area receives 33.6 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 832 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 832 ft (254 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,025/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3150°N, 92.0031°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Benton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
612 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 529 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
77 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
40 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
16 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
54 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
54 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
55 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Brandon has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 34.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Brandon. 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 | $706 |
| Toddler | $608 |
| Preschool | $608 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $464 |
| Toddler | $456 |
| Preschool | $456 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brandon
What is the population of Brandon?
Brandon has a population of 328 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,025 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.8% female and 55.2% male.
Is Brandon expensive to live in?
Brandon 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 $61,875, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $100,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,013 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Brandon safe?
Brandon is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,162 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brandon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brandon?
Brandon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Brandon?
Brandon has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 720 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brandon?
The median home value in Brandon is $100,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,673. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,013. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,120.
How are the schools in Brandon?
Schools in Brandon score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in Brandon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brandon?
The obesity rate in Brandon is 37.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,138.
What is transportation like in Brandon?
The average commute in Brandon is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brandon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brandon is 95.1% White, 0.6% Black or African American. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
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