Median Income
$58,702
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$107,600
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
73/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.4%
25% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$764
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.2%
47% higher than US avg
How Clarion Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,775
Median Age38.3 yrs
Density826/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,702
Per Capita$40,614
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty18.2%
County GDP$1,247M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$107,600
Rent$764
Ownership66.1%
Zillow$149,594
Housing Units1,475
Rent Burden30.7%
Crime
F
Violent73/100K
Property1,173/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault73/100K
Burglary366/100K
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking14.9%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,169 ft (356 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.4%
High School+90.4%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute12 min
Broadband77.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Clarion a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Clarion receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. 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. Clarion offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Clarion is $58,702, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. The poverty rate of 18.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Clarion is $107,600, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Clarion is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 73 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,173 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
25.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Clarion experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 16°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 34.3 inches, including 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Clarion has a population of 2,775 with a density of 826 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 38.3 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (85%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.3% of residents, while 12.7% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.3yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.3%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.7%
5% below US avg
The median household income in Clarion is $58,702, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,614. The average weekly wage is $1,126, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 468 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,702 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,614 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,126 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,568 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.2% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 468 |
| County GDP | $1,247M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,919 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Clarion is $107,600, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,594, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $764 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,475 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,919. 30.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $107,600 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $149,594 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $764 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.9% |
| Housing Units | 1,475 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,919 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.64% |
In Clarion, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 20.4% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,557. The dentist ratio is 1:2,536. 86.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Clarion vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,557 |
| Dentists | 1:2,536 |
| Mental Health | 1:703 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,879/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Clarion has a violent crime rate of 73 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 73.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,173 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 550, burglary at 366, vehicle theft at 257 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Clarion receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Clarion vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 73.3/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 73.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,172.6/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
| Burglary | 366.4/100K |
| Theft | 549.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 256.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Clarion experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°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 34.3 inches. The area receives 31.1 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 1,169 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,169 ft (356 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 826/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7320°N, 93.7298°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wright County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% 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 | 41.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
651 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 48 fatalities, 1,111 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
72 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
50 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
10 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
72 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
96 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Clarion has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Clarion. 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 | $667 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $443 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Clarion
What is the population of Clarion?
Clarion has a population of 2,775 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 826 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.3 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Clarion expensive to live in?
Clarion 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 $58,702, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $107,600 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $764 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Clarion safe?
Clarion is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 73 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,173 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Clarion receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Clarion?
Clarion has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°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 34.3 inches, with 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Clarion?
The job market in Clarion is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,126. There are 468 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Clarion?
The median home value in Clarion is $107,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $149,594. For renters, the median monthly rent is $764. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,919.
How are the schools in Clarion?
Schools in Clarion score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.4% of adults in Clarion hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.4% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Clarion?
The obesity rate in Clarion is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 86.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,557.
What is transportation like in Clarion?
The average commute in Clarion is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Clarion?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Clarion is 85% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 87.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.7% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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