Median Income
$74,531
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$172,800
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
120/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.0%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,080
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.7%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
36% lower than US avg
How Cambridge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population948
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density707/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$74,531
Per Capita$32,347
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty7.9%
County GDP$63,823M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$172,800
Rent$1,080
Ownership84.6%
Zillow$319,451
Housing Units411
Rent Burden22.9%
Crime
F
Violent120/100K
Property1,787/100K
Health
Obesity31.7%
Uninsured4.7%
Smoking10.5%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation871 ft (265 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.0%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.9%
EV Stations21
Libraries19
Is Cambridge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cambridge 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. Cambridge offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cambridge is $74,531, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cambridge is $172,800, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,080 per month. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cambridge is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,787 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
18.0% 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 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Cambridge experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches, including 27.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cambridge has a population of 948 with a density of 707 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56% female and 44% male. The city is predominantly White (92%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cambridge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cambridge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cambridge is $74,531, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,347 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,395. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 20,581 business establishments, including 1,227 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cambridge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,531 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,347 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,395 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,610 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 20,581 |
| County GDP | $63,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,227 |
| Healthcare | 1,513 |
| Retail | 1,606 |
| Manufacturing | 341 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Cambridge is $172,800, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,451, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.5% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,080 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 411 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $6,943 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $172,800 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $319,451 |
| Median List Price | $250,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $250,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $128 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,080 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.4% |
| Housing Units | 411 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.02% |
In Cambridge, 31.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 27.0% have high blood pressure. 10.5% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 25.1% report binge drinking. 17.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.7% report depression. 14.8% experience frequent mental distress. 4.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073. The dentist ratio is 1:1,259. 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cambridge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.7% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.0% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.5% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 25.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.0% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 14.8% |
| Physical Distress | 9.4% |
| Short Sleep | 26.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 4.7% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,073 |
| Dentists | 1:1,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:285 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 75.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,653/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,513 |
Cambridge has a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,787 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Cambridge receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cambridge vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 120.0/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,786.8/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 306 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cambridge experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°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 38.1 inches. The area receives 27.3 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 871 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 871 ft (265 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 707/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9017°N, 93.5366°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.1"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0449 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.2 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
727 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 462 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
90 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
28 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
93 km |
6 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
20 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (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 |
41 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Cambridge has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Cambridge. 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 | $768 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $662 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $507 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cambridge
What is the population of Cambridge?
Cambridge has a population of 948 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 707 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 56% female and 44% male.
Is Cambridge expensive to live in?
Cambridge 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 $74,531, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $172,800 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,080 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cambridge safe?
Cambridge is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,787 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cambridge receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cambridge?
Cambridge 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 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.1 inches, with 27.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cambridge?
The job market in Cambridge is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,395. There are 20,581 business establishments in the area, including 1,227 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cambridge?
The median home value in Cambridge is $172,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $319,451. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,080. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,943.
How are the schools in Cambridge?
Schools in Cambridge score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.0% of adults in Cambridge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cambridge?
The obesity rate in Cambridge is 31.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.5% of adults are smokers. 17.0% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 4.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073.
What is transportation like in Cambridge?
The average commute in Cambridge is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cambridge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cambridge is 92% White. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
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