Median Income
$50,500
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$71,400
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
98/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$760
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Brayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population127
Median Age55.0 yrs
Density289/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans96.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,500
Per Capita$33,849
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$473M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$71,400
Rent$760
Ownership79.3%
Zillow$175,977
Housing Units64
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent98/100K
Property1,562/100K
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking17.5%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,271 ft (387 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score5.93
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute16 min
Broadband58.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Brayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Brayton receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Brayton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Brayton is $50,500, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Brayton is $71,400, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $760 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.
Safety & Crime
Brayton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,562 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Brayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Brayton has a population of 127 with a density of 289 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 55.0 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.2% female and 52.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 96.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.0yrs
Median Age
41% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Brayton is $50,500, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,849 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $973, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 239 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,500 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,849 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $973 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,458 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 239 |
| County GDP | $473M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,471 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Brayton is $71,400, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,977, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $760 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 64 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,471. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $71,400 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,977 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $760 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.7% |
| Housing Units | 64 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,471 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.86% |
In Brayton, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.0% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,878. The dentist ratio is 1:2,799. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Brayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,878 |
| Dentists | 1:2,799 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,534 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 69.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,136/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Brayton has a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,562 per 100,000, 20% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Brayton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Brayton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 97.6/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,561.7/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 37 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Brayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°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 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,271 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,271 ft (387 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 289/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5447°N, 94.9303°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Audubon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.0"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
149 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
149 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
629 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 336 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
22 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
72 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
70 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
43 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Brayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Brayton. 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 | $689 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $594 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $453 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brayton
What is the population of Brayton?
Brayton has a population of 127 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 289 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.2% female and 52.8% male.
Is Brayton expensive to live in?
Brayton 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 $50,500, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $71,400 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $760 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.
Is Brayton safe?
Brayton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,562 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Brayton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Brayton?
Brayton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Brayton?
The job market in Brayton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $973. There are 239 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Brayton?
The median home value in Brayton is $71,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,977. For renters, the median monthly rent is $760. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,471.
How are the schools in Brayton?
Schools in Brayton score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.0% of adults in Brayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Brayton?
The obesity rate in Brayton is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,878.
What is transportation like in Brayton?
The average commute in Brayton is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Brayton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Brayton is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 96.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
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