Median Income
$73,125
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$147,400
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
270/100K
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,200
3% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.7%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.5%
88% lower than US avg
How Colo Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population751
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density702/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,125
Per Capita$38,750
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty1.5%
County GDP$7,790M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$147,400
Rent$1,200
Ownership85.0%
Zillow$248,788
Housing Units388
Rent Burden29.2%
Crime
F
Violent270/100K
Property540/100K
Health
Obesity33.7%
Uninsured6.1%
Smoking13.9%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,030 ft (314 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score6.79
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute29 min
Broadband90.8%
EV Stations21
Libraries13
Is Colo a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Colo receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Colo offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Colo is $73,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Colo is $147,400, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,200 per month. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Colo is below the national average at 270 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 540 per 100,000, 72% below the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.8/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Colo experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 18°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 36.5 inches, including 30.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Colo has a population of 751 with a density of 702 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.8%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% 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 Colo is $73,125, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,750. The average weekly wage is $1,204, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,066 business establishments, including 268 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,125 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,750 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,204 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,259 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.5% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,066 |
| County GDP | $7,790M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 268 |
| Healthcare | 229 |
| Retail | 275 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,724 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.9% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Colo is $147,400, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,788, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,200 (3% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 388 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $5,724 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $147,400 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $248,788 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,200 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.0% |
| Housing Units | 388 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,724 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.88% |
In Colo, 33.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 13.9% are current smokers. 24.4% report binge drinking. 20.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.2% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,554. The dentist ratio is 1:1,954. 92.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Colo vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.9% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.6% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.1% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,554 |
| Dentists | 1:1,954 |
| Mental Health | 1:378 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 4,947/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 229 |
Colo has a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 residents, 29% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 540 per 100,000, 72% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Colo receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Colo vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 270.1/100K |
| 29% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 540.2/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Colo experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°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 36.5 inches. The area receives 30.6 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 1,030 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,030 ft (314 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 702/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0145°N, 93.3186°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Story County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
728 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 1,163 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
70 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
86 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
92 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
40 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 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 |
48 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Colo has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Colo. 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 | $738 |
| Toddler | $636 |
| Preschool | $636 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $498 |
| Toddler | $490 |
| Preschool | $490 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Colo
What is the population of Colo?
Colo has a population of 751 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 702 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Colo expensive to live in?
Colo 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 $73,125, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $147,400 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,200 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Colo safe?
Colo is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 270 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 540 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Colo receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Colo?
Colo has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°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 36.5 inches, with 30.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Colo?
Colo has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,204. There are 3,066 business establishments in the area, including 268 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Colo?
The median home value in Colo is $147,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,788. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,200. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,724.
How are the schools in Colo?
Schools in Colo score 6.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Colo hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Colo?
The obesity rate in Colo is 33.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.9% of adults are smokers. 20.6% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 6.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,554.
What is transportation like in Colo?
The average commute in Colo is 29 minutes. 86.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.9% use public transit, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Colo?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Colo is 94.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 95.7% have health insurance coverage.
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