Median Income
$50,125
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,800
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.4%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$729
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.2%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Cedar Rapids Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population484
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density1,344/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,125
Per Capita$24,743
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$576M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,800
Rent$729
Ownership90.7%
Zillow$111,761
Housing Units245
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property1,714/100K
Health
Obesity34.2%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking16.8%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain27.2 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,777 ft (542 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.4%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 16%
Commute28 min
Broadband80.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Cedar Rapids a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cedar Rapids 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. Cedar Rapids offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cedar Rapids is $50,125, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cedar Rapids is $77,800, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $729 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Cedar Rapids is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,714 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Cedar Rapids experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.2 inches, including 26.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Cedar Rapids has a population of 484 with a density of 1,344 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.1% female and 53.9% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 9.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cedar Rapids vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cedar Rapids vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cedar Rapids is $50,125, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,743 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $976, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 258 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cedar Rapids vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,125 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,743 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $976 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,112 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 258 |
| County GDP | $576M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,843 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Cedar Rapids is $77,800, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $111,761, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $729 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 245 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $2,843 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,800 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $111,761 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $729 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.3% |
| Housing Units | 245 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,843 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.65% |
In Cedar Rapids, 34.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 28.1% are physically inactive. 18.9% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:673. The dentist ratio is 1:1,795. 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cedar Rapids vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.1% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:673 |
| Dentists | 1:1,795 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,062 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,359/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Cedar Rapids has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,714 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Cedar Rapids receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cedar Rapids vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 68.6/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,714.1/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cedar Rapids experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 308 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 27.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 26.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,777 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,777 ft (542 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,344/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5589°N, 98.1493°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.2"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
148 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
84 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
40 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
67 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
55 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
672 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 414 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
72 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
4 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
40 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
86 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1984 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1984 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOWERY (4,881 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
95 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Cedar Rapids has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Cedar Rapids. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Rapids
What is the population of Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids has a population of 484 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 1,344 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 46.1% female and 53.9% male.
Is Cedar Rapids expensive to live in?
Cedar Rapids is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $50,125, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,800 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $729 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cedar Rapids safe?
Cedar Rapids is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,714 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cedar Rapids receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.2 inches, with 26.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Cedar Rapids?
The job market in Cedar Rapids is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $976. There are 258 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cedar Rapids?
The median home value in Cedar Rapids is $77,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $111,761. For renters, the median monthly rent is $729. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,843.
How are the schools in Cedar Rapids?
Schools in Cedar Rapids score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.4% of adults in Cedar Rapids hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cedar Rapids?
The obesity rate in Cedar Rapids is 34.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 28.1% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 43.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:673.
What is transportation like in Cedar Rapids?
The average commute in Cedar Rapids is 28 minutes. 80% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cedar Rapids?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cedar Rapids is 90.3% White, 9.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
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