Median Income
$37,500
50% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,200
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
227/100K
40% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,025
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Cantril Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population307
Median Age52.3 yrs
Density590/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans16.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$37,500
Per Capita$27,777
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$236M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,200
Rent$1,025
Ownership82.4%
Zillow$160,549
Housing Units170
Rent Burden38.3%
Crime
F
Violent227/100K
Property378/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking20.6%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation757 ft (231 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+81.3%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute17 min
Broadband51.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Cantril a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cantril 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, high obesity rates. Cantril offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cantril is $37,500, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. 8.2% 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 Cantril is $76,200, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,025 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cantril is below the national average at 227 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 378 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Cantril experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 24.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cantril has a population of 307 with a density of 590 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 52.3 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.1% female and 61.9% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%), with 3.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.2% of residents, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 16.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 68.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.3yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.2%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.8%
49% below US avg
The median household income in Cantril is $37,500, which is 50% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,777 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $822, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 155 business establishments, including 6 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $37,500 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,777 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $822 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,742 |
| Gini Index | 0.457 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 155 |
| County GDP | $236M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Cantril is $76,200, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,549, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,025 (12% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 170 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $1,800 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 38.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,200 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,549 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,025 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.6% |
| Housing Units | 170 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.36% |
In Cantril, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 20.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.6% report binge drinking. 28.6% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:587. The dentist ratio is 1:4,643. 0.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cantril vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.6% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 68.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:587 |
| Dentists | 1:4,643 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,338 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,754/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 0.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Cantril has a violent crime rate of 227 per 100,000 residents, 40% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 378 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cantril receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cantril vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 226.9/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 378.2/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cantril experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°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 39.1 inches. The area receives 24.2 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 757 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 757 ft (231 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 590/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6429°N, 92.0684°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scotland County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 8, 2004.
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
392 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 225 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
38 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
7 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Sep 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
97 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Cantril has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Cantril. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantril
What is the population of Cantril?
Cantril has a population of 307 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 590 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.1% female and 61.9% male.
Is Cantril expensive to live in?
Cantril 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 $37,500, 50% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,200 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,025 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cantril safe?
Cantril is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 227 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 378 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cantril receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cantril?
Cantril has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 24.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cantril?
The job market in Cantril is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $822. There are 155 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cantril?
The median home value in Cantril is $76,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,549. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,025. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.4%. The average annual property tax is $1,800.
How are the schools in Cantril?
Schools in Cantril score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.4% of adults in Cantril hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.3% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cantril?
The obesity rate in Cantril is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.6% of adults are smokers. 28.6% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 0.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:587.
What is transportation like in Cantril?
The average commute in Cantril is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cantril?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cantril is 95.4% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. 93.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 16.9% of the population are military veterans. 18.1% of residents have a disability. 68.9% have health insurance coverage.
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