Median Income
$50,644
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,200
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
448/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.7%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$653
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.3%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Clarinda Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,366
Median Age40.9 yrs
Density1,052/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,644
Per Capita$24,862
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$811M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,200
Rent$653
Ownership66.2%
Zillow$125,460
Housing Units2,218
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent448/100K
Property1,551/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault336/100K
Burglary224/100K
Health
Obesity44.3%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking20.3%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,026 ft (313 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.7%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score5.44
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute17 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Clarinda a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clarinda receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Clarinda has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clarinda is $50,644, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clarinda is $112,200, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $653 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 448 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,551 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
13.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Clarinda experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.7 inches, including 22.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Clarinda has a population of 5,366 with a density of 1,052 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.6% female and 55.4% male. The city is predominantly White (85.8%), with 2% Hispanic, 4.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.9yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Clarinda is $50,644, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,862 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 482 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,644 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,862 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,332 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 482 |
| County GDP | $811M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 56 |
| Retail | 61 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,347 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Clarinda is $112,200, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,460, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $653 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,218 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,347. 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,200 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $125,460 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $653 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,218 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,347 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.98% |
In Clarinda, 44.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 36.0% have high blood pressure. 20.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.7% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.7% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,900. The dentist ratio is 1:1,010. 73.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clarinda vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.3% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,900 |
| Dentists | 1:1,010 |
| Mental Health | 1:417 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,340/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 56 |
Clarinda has a violent crime rate of 448 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 336.3 per 100,000, robbery at 18.7, rape at 93.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,551 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,102, burglary at 224, vehicle theft at 224 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Clarinda receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clarinda vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 448.4/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 93.4/100K |
| Robbery | 18.7/100K |
| Assault | 336.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,550.8/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| Burglary | 224.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,102.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 224.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clarinda experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 36.7 inches. The area receives 22.8 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 1,026 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,026 ft (313 m) |
| Area | 5.2 sq mi (13.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,052/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7377°N, 95.0337°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Page County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.7"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 40.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
79 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
45 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
27 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
593 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 28 fatalities, 512 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
20 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
89 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
92 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
99 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
18 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
63 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
72 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
73 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
73 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
75 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Clarinda has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Clarinda. 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 | $670 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $452 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clarinda
What is the population of Clarinda?
Clarinda has a population of 5,366 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,052 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.9 years. The population is 44.6% female and 55.4% male.
Is Clarinda expensive to live in?
Clarinda 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 $50,644, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,200 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $653 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clarinda safe?
The violent crime rate in Clarinda is 448 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 1,551 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Clarinda receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clarinda?
Clarinda has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.7 inches, with 22.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Clarinda?
Clarinda has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 482 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clarinda?
The median home value in Clarinda is $112,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $125,460. For renters, the median monthly rent is $653. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,347.
How are the schools in Clarinda?
Schools in Clarinda score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.7% of adults in Clarinda hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clarinda?
The obesity rate in Clarinda is 44.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.3% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 73.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,900.
What is transportation like in Clarinda?
The average commute in Clarinda is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clarinda?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clarinda is 85.8% White, 4.5% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
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