Median Income
$59,167
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$70,500
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.6%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$535
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Bridgewater Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population131
Median Age38.9 yrs
Density452/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans83.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,167
Per Capita$32,715
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$663M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$70,500
Rent$535
Ownership88.7%
Zillow$163,727
Housing Units52
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property1,872/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking15.6%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,249 ft (381 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.6%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+11.7%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute24 min
Broadband62.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Bridgewater a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bridgewater 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. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bridgewater offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bridgewater is $59,167, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bridgewater is $70,500, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $535 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bridgewater is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
17.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Bridgewater experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches, including 25.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bridgewater has a population of 131 with a density of 452 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 38.9 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 83.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.9yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bridgewater vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bridgewater vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bridgewater is $59,167, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,715 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,022, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 332 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 24 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bridgewater vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,167 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,715 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,022 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,151 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 332 |
| County GDP | $663M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,267 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Bridgewater is $70,500, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,727, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $535 (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. 88.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 52 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,267. 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 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $70,500 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $163,727 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $535 |
| 54% 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 | 88.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.3% |
| Housing Units | 52 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,267 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.63% |
In Bridgewater, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,885. The dentist ratio is 1:1,874. 34.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bridgewater vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,885 |
| Dentists | 1:1,874 |
| Mental Health | 1:7,389 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,151/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 34.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Bridgewater has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,872 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bridgewater receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bridgewater vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 265.7/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,872.5/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bridgewater experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°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 36.5 inches. The area receives 25.5 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 1,249 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.1°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,249 ft (381 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 452/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2471°N, 94.6689°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Adair County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively 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
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Dec 17, 2009.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
137 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
101 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
86 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
653 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 287 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
23 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
44 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
39 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Bridgewater has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. 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 Bridgewater. 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 | $593 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $452 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bridgewater
What is the population of Bridgewater?
Bridgewater has a population of 131 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 452 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.9 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Bridgewater expensive to live in?
Bridgewater 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 $59,167, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $70,500 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $535 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bridgewater safe?
Bridgewater is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bridgewater receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bridgewater?
Bridgewater has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches, with 25.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bridgewater?
The job market in Bridgewater is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,022. There are 332 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bridgewater?
The median home value in Bridgewater is $70,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,727. For renters, the median monthly rent is $535. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,267.
How are the schools in Bridgewater?
Schools in Bridgewater score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.6% of adults in Bridgewater hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 11.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bridgewater?
The obesity rate in Bridgewater is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 34.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,885.
What is transportation like in Bridgewater?
The average commute in Bridgewater is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bridgewater?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bridgewater is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 83.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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