Median Income
$56,734
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,900
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
109/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.6%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$628
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.8%
29% lower than US avg
How Charles City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,321
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density1,196/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,734
Per Capita$30,991
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty8.8%
County GDP$1,165M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,900
Rent$628
Ownership65.8%
Zillow$135,898
Housing Units3,722
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent109/100K
Property968/100K
Murder13.6/100K
Assault55/100K
Burglary205/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking17.0%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation995 ft (303 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.6%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute15 min
Broadband80.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Charles City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Charles City 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, high obesity rates. Charles City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Charles City is $56,734, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Charles City is $118,900, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $628 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
Charles City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 109 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 968 per 100,000, 51% below the national average.
Education
15.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Charles City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 37.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Charles City has a population of 7,321 with a density of 1,196 people per square mile, spread across 6.3 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (88.6%), with 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.8% of residents, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Charles City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.8%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.2%
39% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Charles City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Charles City is $56,734, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,991 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,057, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 478 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Charles City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,734 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,991 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,057 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,922 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.8% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 478 |
| County GDP | $1,165M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,764 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.1% |
The median home value in Charles City is $118,900, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,898, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $628 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,722 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,764. 26.7% 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 | $118,900 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $135,898 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $628 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.2% |
| Housing Units | 3,722 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,764 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.17% |
In Charles City, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.0% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,569. The dentist ratio is 1:1,704. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Charles City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,569 |
| Dentists | 1:1,704 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,189 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,140/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Charles City has a violent crime rate of 109 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 54.5 per 100,000, robbery at 13.6, rape at 27.3. The murder rate is 13.6 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 968 per 100,000, 51% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 750, burglary at 205, vehicle theft at 14 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Charles City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Charles City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 109.1/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| Murder | 13.6/100K |
| 117% above US avg |
| Rape | 27.3/100K |
| Robbery | 13.6/100K |
| Assault | 54.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 968.1/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| Burglary | 204.5/100K |
| Theft | 749.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 13.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Charles City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches. The area receives 37.5 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 995 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 995 ft (303 m) |
| Area | 6.3 sq mi (16.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,196/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0648°N, 92.6745°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Floyd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
604 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 55 fatalities, 1,180 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
60 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
75 km |
5 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
49 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
85 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
83 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
48 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Charles City has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Charles City. 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 | $641 |
| Toddler | $553 |
| Preschool | $553 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $426 |
| Preschool | $426 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Charles City
What is the population of Charles City?
Charles City has a population of 7,321 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,196 people per square mile, spread across 6.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Charles City expensive to live in?
Charles City 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 $56,734, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,900 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $628 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 Charles City safe?
Charles City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 109 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 968 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Charles City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Charles City?
Charles City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 37.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Charles City?
Charles City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,057. There are 478 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 9.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Charles City?
The median home value in Charles City is $118,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,898. For renters, the median monthly rent is $628. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,764.
How are the schools in Charles City?
Schools in Charles City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.6% of adults in Charles City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Charles City?
The obesity rate in Charles City is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,569.
What is transportation like in Charles City?
The average commute in Charles City is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Charles City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Charles City is 88.6% White, 2% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 91.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.4% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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