Iowa
Chelsea is a small town in Iowa with a population of 342. Residents earn $32,188 per year, which is 57% below the national average.
Based on current data, Chelsea receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Chelsea offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Chelsea is $32,188, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. The poverty rate of 36.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
The median home value in Chelsea is $43,100, 85% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $681 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
5.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Chelsea experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.0 inches, including 27.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 63.8% |
| 19% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 36.2% |
| 170% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $32,188 |
| 57% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $18,311 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,108 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,315 |
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 36.4% |
| 194% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 699 |
| County GDP | $1,654M |
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 10.87% |
| Commute Time | 42.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.3% |
| Public Transit | 4.1% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
| Census Median | $43,100 |
| 85% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,675 |
| Census Median Rent | $681 |
| 41% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 10.87% |
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.8% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 86.5% |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,568/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 36.0 inches |
| 5% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 27.9 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 783 ft (239 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 339/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9205°N, 92.3944°W |
| County FIPS | 19157 |
Winner: Republican by 17 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 5.8% |
| 83% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 69.1% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 339/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.0 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 60.6% |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Retail Stores | 80 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Commute | 42.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.3% |
| Public Transit | 4.1% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |