Median Income
$48,693
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,400
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
291/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.3%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$707
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.6%
50% higher than US avg
How Cherokee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,157
Median Age44.4 yrs
Density755/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$48,693
Per Capita$31,718
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty18.6%
County GDP$1,087M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,400
Rent$707
Ownership63.8%
Zillow$145,935
Housing Units2,427
Rent Burden32.3%
Crime
F
Violent291/100K
Property1,181/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault271/100K
Burglary271/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking19.9%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,198 ft (365 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.3%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute16 min
Broadband81.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Cherokee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cherokee 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Cherokee has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cherokee is $48,693, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. The poverty rate of 18.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cherokee is $119,400, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cherokee is below the national average at 291 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
18.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Cherokee experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°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 31.2 inches, including 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Cherokee has a population of 5,157 with a density of 755 people per square mile, spread across 6.5 square miles. The median age is 44.4 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89.7%), with 3.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.4yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
The median household income in Cherokee is $48,693, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,718 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 452 business establishments, including 30 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,693 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,718 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,807 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.6% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 452 |
| County GDP | $1,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.6% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Cherokee is $119,400, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,935, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $707 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $811 for a one-bedroom to $919 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,427 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $3,325. 32.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,400 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $145,935 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $707 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $682 |
| 1 Bedroom | $811 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $919 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,278 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,414 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,427 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.78% |
In Cherokee, 43.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 19.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.9% report binge drinking. 31.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.7% report depression. 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,917. The dentist ratio is 1:3,830. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cherokee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.9% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.0% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,917 |
| Dentists | 1:3,830 |
| Mental Health | 1:725 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,020/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Cherokee has a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 271.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 19.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 852, burglary at 271, vehicle theft at 58 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cherokee receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cherokee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.5/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 19.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 271.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,181.5/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
| Burglary | 271.2/100K |
| Theft | 852.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 58.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cherokee experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°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 31.2 inches. The area receives 37.8 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 1,198 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,198 ft (365 m) |
| Area | 6.5 sq mi (16.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 755/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7495°N, 95.5522°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cherokee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.2"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
37 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
597 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 159 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
79 km |
3 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Cherokee has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Cherokee. 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 | $649 |
| Toddler | $559 |
| Preschool | $559 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $438 |
| Toddler | $431 |
| Preschool | $431 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherokee
What is the population of Cherokee?
Cherokee has a population of 5,157 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 755 people per square mile, spread across 6.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Cherokee expensive to live in?
Cherokee 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 $48,693, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,400 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Cherokee safe?
Cherokee is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cherokee receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cherokee?
Cherokee 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 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.2 inches, with 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Cherokee?
The job market in Cherokee is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 452 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cherokee?
The median home value in Cherokee is $119,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,935. For renters, the median monthly rent is $707. Fair market rent is $811 for a 1-bedroom and $919 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,325.
How are the schools in Cherokee?
Schools in Cherokee score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.3% of adults in Cherokee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cherokee?
The obesity rate in Cherokee is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.9% of adults are smokers. 31.0% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,917.
What is transportation like in Cherokee?
The average commute in Cherokee is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82% of workers drive alone to work, 1.6% use public transit, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cherokee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee is 89.7% White, 3.2% Black or African American. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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