Median Income
$32,679
57% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,800
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
262/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.0%
73% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Center Junction Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population125
Median Age60.4 yrs
Density171/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans32.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$32,679
Per Capita$24,778
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$858M
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,800
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$175,384
Housing Units98
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent262/100K
Property1,101/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking15.1%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.2 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation925 ft (282 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score5.59
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Broadband61.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Center Junction a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Center Junction receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Center Junction has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Center Junction is $32,679, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Center Junction is $57,800, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Center Junction is below the national average at 262 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,101 per 100,000, 44% below the national average.
Education
9.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Center Junction experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Center Junction has a population of 125 with a density of 171 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 60.4 years, 55% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 32.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.4yrs
Median Age
55% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Center Junction vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Center Junction vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Center Junction is $32,679, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,778 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $963, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 667 business establishments, including 39 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Center Junction vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,679 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,778 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,129 |
| Gini Index | 0.395 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 667 |
| County GDP | $858M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 39 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,197 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Center Junction is $57,800, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,384, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 98 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,197 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $57,800 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,384 |
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
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 98 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,197 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.26% |
In Center Junction, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 20.0% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,972. The dentist ratio is 1:2,606. 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Center Junction vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,972 |
| Dentists | 1:2,606 |
| Mental Health | 1:909 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.6% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,993/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Center Junction has a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,101 per 100,000, 44% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Center Junction receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Center Junction vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 262.1/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,100.6/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Center Junction experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 925 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 925 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 171/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1141°N, 91.0903°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jones County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.2"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively 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: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
659 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 437 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
93 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
32 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOLEY (786 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Center Junction has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Center Junction. 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 | $661 |
| Toddler | $569 |
| Preschool | $569 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $439 |
| Preschool | $439 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Center Junction
What is the population of Center Junction?
Center Junction has a population of 125 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 171 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Center Junction expensive to live in?
Center Junction 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 $32,679, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,800 (79% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Center Junction safe?
Center Junction is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,101 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Center Junction receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Center Junction?
Center Junction has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 40.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Center Junction?
The job market in Center Junction is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $963. There are 667 business establishments in the area, including 39 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Center Junction?
The median home value in Center Junction is $57,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,384. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,197.
How are the schools in Center Junction?
Schools in Center Junction score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.0% of adults in Center Junction hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Center Junction?
The obesity rate in Center Junction is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,972.
What are the demographics of Center Junction?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Center Junction is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 32.4% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
