Median Income
$58,068
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,600
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
411/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.8%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$710
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Charter Oak Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population489
Median Age59.5 yrs
Density959/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans12.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,068
Per Capita$29,903
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$1,117M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,600
Rent$710
Ownership65.9%
Zillow$183,883
Housing Units238
Rent Burden22.7%
Crime
F
Violent411/100K
Property1,984/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.3%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,295 ft (395 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.8%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.26
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute23 min
Broadband76.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Charter Oak a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Charter Oak receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Charter Oak has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Charter Oak is $58,068, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. 11.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Charter Oak is $81,600, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $710 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 411 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,984 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
9.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Charter Oak experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches, including 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Charter Oak has a population of 489 with a density of 959 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 59.5 years, 53% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.5%), with 4.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 12.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.5yrs
Median Age
53% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Charter Oak vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Charter Oak vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Charter Oak is $58,068, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,903 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,021, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 514 business establishments, including 36 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Charter Oak vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,068 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,903 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,021 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,004 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 514 |
| County GDP | $1,117M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Charter Oak is $81,600, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,883, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $710 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 238 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,829. 22.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,600 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,883 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $710 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.1% |
| Housing Units | 238 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.69% |
In Charter Oak, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.2% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,398. The dentist ratio is 1:1,791. 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Charter Oak vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,398 |
| Dentists | 1:1,791 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,779 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Charter Oak has a violent crime rate of 411 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,984 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Charter Oak receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Charter Oak vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 410.5/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,984.3/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Charter Oak experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches. The area receives 31.1 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 1,295 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,295 ft (395 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 959/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0678°N, 95.5895°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.2"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
93 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
543 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 297 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
53 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
57 km |
2 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
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 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Charter Oak has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Charter Oak. 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 | $668 |
| Toddler | $576 |
| Preschool | $576 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $451 |
| Toddler | $444 |
| Preschool | $444 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Charter Oak
What is the population of Charter Oak?
Charter Oak has a population of 489 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 959 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Charter Oak expensive to live in?
Charter Oak 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 $58,068, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,600 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $710 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Charter Oak safe?
The violent crime rate in Charter Oak is 411 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,984 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Charter Oak receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Charter Oak?
Charter Oak 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 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.2 inches, with 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Charter Oak?
The job market in Charter Oak is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,021. There are 514 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Charter Oak?
The median home value in Charter Oak is $81,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,883. For renters, the median monthly rent is $710. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,829.
How are the schools in Charter Oak?
Schools in Charter Oak score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.8% of adults in Charter Oak hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Charter Oak?
The obesity rate in Charter Oak is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,398.
What is transportation like in Charter Oak?
The average commute in Charter Oak is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 95.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Charter Oak?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Charter Oak is 94.5% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 12.3% of the population are military veterans. 22.0% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
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