Iowa
Cherokee is a small city in Iowa with a population of 5,157. Residents earn $48,693 per year, which is 35% below the national average.
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, high health insurance coverage. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Annual precipitation totals 31.2 inches, including 37.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 97.7% |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 2.3% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $48,693 |
| 35% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $31,718 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,807 |
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 18.6% |
| 50% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 452 |
| County GDP | $1,087M |
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.78% |
| Commute Time | 16.2 min |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
| Census Median | $119,400 |
| 58% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $145,935 |
| Census Median Rent | $707 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Studio | $682 |
| 1 Bedroom | $811 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $919 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,278 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,414 |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.78% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.0% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,020/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 31.2 inches |
| 18% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 37.8 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,198 ft (365 m) |
| Area | 6.8 sq mi (17.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 755/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7495°N, 95.5522°W |
| County FIPS | 19035 |
Winner: Republican by 45.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 18.3% |
| 46% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 92.8% |
| School Test Score | 5.65 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 755/sq mi |
| Total Area | 6.8 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 2 |
| Public Libraries | 6 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Retail Stores | 45 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Commute | 16.2 min |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |