Median Income
$98,333
31% higher than US avg
Home Value
$208,100
26% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
162/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.4%
19% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$896
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
82% lower than US avg
How Carlisle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,187
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density741/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$98,333
Per Capita$41,072
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty2.2%
County GDP$63,823M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$208,100
Rent$896
Ownership84.5%
Zillow$283,245
Housing Units1,595
Rent Burden29.3%
Crime
F
Violent162/100K
Property969/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault115/100K
Burglary208/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking13.1%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation777 ft (237 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.4%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+12.0%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute23 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries19
Is Carlisle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carlisle receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Carlisle offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carlisle is $98,333, which is significantly higher than the national average / 31% above $75,149. This places Carlisle among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carlisle is $208,100, 26% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $896 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Carlisle is below the national average at 162 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 969 per 100,000, 51% below the national average.
Education
27.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Carlisle experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°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 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Carlisle has a population of 4,187 with a density of 741 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.2% female and 50.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Carlisle is $98,333, which is 31% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,072. The average weekly wage is $1,395. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.2% 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $98,333 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,072 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,395 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,610 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.2% |
| 82% 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 | 3.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Carlisle is $208,100, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,245, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $896 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,595 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $6,943 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $208,100 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $283,245 |
| Median List Price | $259,999 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $259,999 |
| $/Sq Ft | $188 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.8% |
| Price Drops | 55.6% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $896 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,595 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.34% |
In Carlisle, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 23.7% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% 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: Carlisle vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,073 |
| Dentists | 1:1,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:285 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 70.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,653/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,513 |
Carlisle has a violent crime rate of 162 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 115.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 46.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 969 per 100,000, 51% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 738, burglary at 208, vehicle theft at 23 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Carlisle receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carlisle vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 161.5/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 46.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 115.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 969.1/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| Burglary | 207.7/100K |
| Theft | 738.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 23.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 84 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carlisle experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°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 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 777 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 777 ft (237 m) |
| Area | 5.6 sq mi (14.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 741/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5136°N, 93.4968°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM) 11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.6"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
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
682 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 375 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
67 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
26 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (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 |
19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Carlisle has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Carlisle. 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 Carlisle
What is the population of Carlisle?
Carlisle has a population of 4,187 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 741 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
Is Carlisle expensive to live in?
Carlisle 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 $98,333, 31% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $208,100 (26% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $896 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Carlisle safe?
Carlisle is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 162 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 969 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Carlisle receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carlisle?
Carlisle has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°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 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Carlisle?
Carlisle has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average 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 23 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carlisle?
The median home value in Carlisle is $208,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,245. For renters, the median monthly rent is $896. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,943.
How are the schools in Carlisle?
Schools in Carlisle score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.4% of adults in Carlisle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 12.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carlisle?
The obesity rate in Carlisle is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 6.3% 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 Carlisle?
The average commute in Carlisle is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carlisle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carlisle is 94.7% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.