Median Income
$32,188
57% lower than US avg
Home Value
$43,100
85% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
398/100K
5% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.8%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$681
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
36.4%
194% higher than US avg
How Chelsea Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population342
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density339/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 62%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
C
Median Income$32,188
Per Capita$18,311
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty36.4%
County GDP$1,654M
Commute42 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$43,100
Rent$681
Ownership94.5%
Zillow$224,675
Housing Units133
Rent Burden29.4%
Crime
F
Violent398/100K
Property2,034/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured13.8%
Smoking16.4%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation783 ft (239 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.8%
High School+69.1%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute42 min
Broadband60.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Chelsea a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chelsea receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Chelsea has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,034 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
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. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.0 inches, including 27.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Chelsea has a population of 342 with a density of 339 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.3% female and 56.7% male. The city is predominantly White (62%), with 14.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 63.8% of residents, while 36.2% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
63.8%
19% below US avg
Spanish
36.2%
170% above US avg
The median household income in Chelsea is $32,188, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,311 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,108, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 36.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 699 business establishments, including 47 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,188 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,311 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,108 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,315 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 36.4% |
| 194% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 699 |
| County GDP | $1,654M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 10.87% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 42.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.3% |
| Public Transit | 4.1% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Chelsea is $43,100, 85% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,675, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $681 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 133 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,683 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $43,100 |
| 85% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,675 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $681 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.5% |
| Housing Units | 133 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 10.87% |
In Chelsea, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 29.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.8% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 13.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162. The dentist ratio is 1:1,679. 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chelsea vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.8% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.8% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,162 |
| Dentists | 1:1,679 |
| Mental Health | 1:595 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,568/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
Chelsea has a violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 residents, 5% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,034 per 100,000, 4% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Chelsea receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chelsea vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 397.9/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,033.6/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chelsea experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 36.0 inches. The area receives 27.9 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 783 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| 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 |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Poweshiek County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.0"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
660 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 645 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
81 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
92 km |
5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
65 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
13 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
16 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
26 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
6 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Chelsea has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Chelsea. 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 | $699 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $472 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelsea
What is the population of Chelsea?
Chelsea has a population of 342 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 339 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.3% female and 56.7% male.
Is Chelsea expensive to live in?
Chelsea 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 $32,188, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $43,100 (85% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $681 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chelsea safe?
The violent crime rate in Chelsea is 398 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 2,034 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chelsea receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chelsea?
Chelsea has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.0 inches, with 27.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Chelsea?
The job market in Chelsea is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,108. There are 699 business establishments in the area, including 47 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 42 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chelsea?
The median home value in Chelsea is $43,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,675. For renters, the median monthly rent is $681. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 94.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,683.
How are the schools in Chelsea?
Schools in Chelsea score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.8% of adults in Chelsea hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 69.1% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chelsea?
The obesity rate in Chelsea is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 29.8% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 13.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162.
What is transportation like in Chelsea?
The average commute in Chelsea is 42 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.3% of workers drive alone to work, 4.1% use public transit, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chelsea?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chelsea is 62% White, 14.6% Hispanic or Latino. 63.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 36.2% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 86.5% have health insurance coverage.
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