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Carbon, IA

Iowa

Carbon is a small town in Iowa with a population of 46.

1.5 /5.0
D Poor
46 Population 61/sq mi density
$71,700 Home Value
49°F Avg Temperature 275 sunny days/yr
D
Overall
1.5 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Education
1.5 / 5.0
6.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Home Value $71,700
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 6.5%
81% lower than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 33.3%
169% higher than US avg

How Carbon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population46
Median Age68.5 yrs
Density61/mi²
Male / Female63% / 37%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans46.0%

Economy

Median IncomeN/A
Per Capita$25,407
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty33.3%
County GDP$266M
Commute13 min

Housing

Home Value$71,700
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units36

Climate

Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,120 ft (341 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+6.5%
High School+73.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.73

Community

2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute13 min
Broadband28.0%
Libraries2

Is Carbon a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Carbon receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Carbon faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 33.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Carbon is $71,700, 75% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership.

Education

6.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.

Climate & Weather

Carbon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°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 35.3 inches, including 27.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.

Carbon has a population of 46 with a density of 61 people per square mile. The median age is 68.5 years, 76% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (100%).

Population

46
Total Population
61
People / sq mi
68.5yrs
Median Age
76% above US avg
0.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 63%
Female 37%

Race & Ethnicity

Carbon vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Carbon vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Carbon is N/A. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 33.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes.

Income: Carbon vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$25,407
Avg Weekly Wage$954
IRS Avg AGI$59,892

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate33.3%
169% above US avg
Establishments (County)148
County GDP$266M

Business (County)

Restaurants9
Healthcare10
Retail13
Manufacturing6

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$2,867
18% below US avg
Effective Tax Rate4.00%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time12.5 min
Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Carbon is $71,700, 75% below the national average.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$71,700
75% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$738
1 Bedroom$788
2 Bedrooms$989
3 Bedrooms$1,282
4 Bedrooms$1,420

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied92.9%
Housing Units36
Median Year Built1948

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$2,867
18% below US avg
Effective Rate4.00%
Carbon has an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation is 35.3 inches. The area enjoys 275 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.

Temperature

22°F Jan (-6°C) 74°F Jul (23°C)
Annual Average49.4°F
9% below US avg
January Average22°F (-6°C)
July Average74°F (23°C)
Sunny Days275 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall35.3 inches
7% below US avg
Snowfall27.8 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median43.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,120 ft (341 m)
Area0.8 sq mi (1.9 km²)
Population Density61/sq mi
Coordinates41.0498°N, 94.8246°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago
County FIPS19003
It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural. 6.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (81% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 44.2-point margin. 28.0% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 71.2%
D 27%

Winner: Republican by 44.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.5%
81% below US avg
High School+73.9%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score5.73
D Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro — Rural
Population Density61/sq mi
Total Area0.8 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access28.0%
Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities10
Restaurants9
Retail Stores13

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute12.5 min
Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Nearby Cities

Corning, IA 1,573 pop · 6.0 mi Villisca, IA 1,004 pop · 11.6 mi Lenox, IA 1,474 pop · 18.1 mi Griswold, IA 1,020 pop · 20.8 mi Red Oak, IA 5,542 pop · 21.0 mi Creston, IA 7,466 pop · 24.0 mi Clarinda, IA 5,366 pop · 24.2 mi Atlantic, IA 6,773 pop · 25.8 mi Greenfield, IA 1,826 pop · 26.0 mi Bedford, IA 1,389 pop · 26.7 mi Anita, IA 1,060 pop · 27.4 mi Oakland, IA 1,500 pop · 34.9 mi Shenandoah, IA 4,913 pop · 35.0 mi Walnut, IA 1,339 pop · 36.7 mi
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