Median Income
$70,703
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$172,600
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
325/100K
14% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.4%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$731
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Carson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population768
Median Age42.4 yrs
Density1,182/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,703
Per Capita$33,919
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$6,263M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$172,600
Rent$731
Ownership80.7%
Zillow$250,908
Housing Units320
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
F
Violent325/100K
Property2,820/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking15.5%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,120 ft (341 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.4%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+9.1%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute33 min
Broadband82.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Carson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Carson receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Carson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Carson is $70,703, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Carson is $172,600, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Carson is below the national average at 325 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,820 per 100,000, 44% above the national average.
Education
24.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Carson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°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 36.4 inches, including 28.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Carson has a population of 768 with a density of 1,182 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 42.4 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 3.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.4yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Carson is $70,703, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,919 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,085, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,746 business establishments, including 209 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,703 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,919 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,085 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,871 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,746 |
| County GDP | $6,263M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 209 |
| Healthcare | 220 |
| Retail | 252 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
The median home value in Carson is $172,600, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,908, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $731 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 320 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $5,355 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $172,600 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $250,908 |
| Median List Price | $30,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $30,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $185 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $731 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.3% |
| Housing Units | 320 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.10% |
In Carson, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 24.3% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,694. 82.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Carson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,694 |
| Mental Health | 1:414 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,293/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 220 |
Carson has a violent crime rate of 325 per 100,000 residents, 14% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,820 per 100,000, 44% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Carson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Carson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 325.4/100K |
| 14% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,820.5/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Carson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°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 36.4 inches. The area receives 28.0 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 1,120 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,120 ft (341 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,182/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2357°N, 95.4198°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pottawattamie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
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 |
100 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
68 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
643 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 532 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
56 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
55 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
11 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Carson has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Carson. 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 | $729 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $628 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $492 |
| Toddler | $484 |
| Preschool | $484 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Carson
What is the population of Carson?
Carson has a population of 768 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,182 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Carson expensive to live in?
Carson 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 $70,703, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $172,600 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Carson safe?
Carson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 325 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,820 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Carson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Carson?
Carson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°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 36.4 inches, with 28.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Carson?
The job market in Carson is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,085. There are 2,746 business establishments in the area, including 209 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 8.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Carson?
The median home value in Carson is $172,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,908. For renters, the median monthly rent is $731. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,355.
How are the schools in Carson?
Schools in Carson score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.4% of adults in Carson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Carson?
The obesity rate in Carson is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Carson?
The average commute in Carson is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Carson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Carson is 96% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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