Median Income
$46,250
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$103,100
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
35.7%
188% higher than US avg
How Colwell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population56
Median Age32.5 yrs
Density329/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans42.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$46,250
Per Capita$76,713
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty35.7%
County GDP$1,165M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,100
Ownership66.7%
Zillow$135,898
Housing Units33
Rent Burden25.9%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property1,521/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Smoking17.0%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,147 ft (350 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute23 min
Broadband24.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Colwell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Colwell receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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. Colwell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Colwell is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 35.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Colwell is $103,100, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Colwell is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,521 per 100,000, 22% below the national average.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Colwell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 37.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Colwell has a population of 56 with a density of 329 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 32.5 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%), with 3.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.7% of residents. 42.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.5yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.7%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.3%
75% below US avg
The median household income in Colwell is $46,250, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $76,713 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,057, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 35.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 478 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,250 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $76,713 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,057 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,922 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 35.7% |
| 188% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 478 |
| County GDP | $1,165M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,764 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 21.9% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Colwell is $103,100, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,898, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 33 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,764. 25.9% 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 | $103,100 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $135,898 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.3% |
| Housing Units | 33 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,764 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.65% |
In Colwell, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.0% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,569. The dentist ratio is 1:1,704. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Colwell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,569 |
| Dentists | 1:1,704 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,189 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,140/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Colwell has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,521 per 100,000, 22% below the U.S. average. Overall, Colwell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Colwell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 253.5/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,521.0/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Colwell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches. The area receives 37.5 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 1,147 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,147 ft (350 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 329/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1572°N, 92.5916°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Floyd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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)
Tornado History
592 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 54 fatalities, 1,198 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
72 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
61 km |
13 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
76 km |
5 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
95 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
82 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
36 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Colwell has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Colwell. 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 | $641 |
| Toddler | $553 |
| Preschool | $553 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $426 |
| Preschool | $426 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Colwell
What is the population of Colwell?
Colwell has a population of 56 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 329 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Colwell expensive to live in?
Colwell 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 $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,100 (63% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Colwell safe?
Colwell is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,521 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Colwell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Colwell?
Colwell 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 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 37.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Colwell?
The job market in Colwell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,057. There are 478 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Colwell?
The median home value in Colwell is $103,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $135,898. The homeownership rate is 66.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,764.
How are the schools in Colwell?
Schools in Colwell score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.4% of adults in Colwell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Colwell?
The obesity rate in Colwell is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,569.
What is transportation like in Colwell?
The average commute in Colwell is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work, 21.9% use public transit, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Colwell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Colwell is 96.4% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. 96.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.3% speak Spanish. 42.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
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