Cresco, IA

Iowa · Howard County

Cresco is a small town in Iowa with a population of 3,901. Residents earn $60,769 per year, which is 19% below the national average.

Data updated April 2026

3.1 /5.0

B Good

3,901 Population 1,168/sq mi density

$60,769 Median Income $28,660 per capita

$105,200 Home Value $197,973 Zillow

$814 Median Rent 21.9% income on rent

45°F Avg Temperature 260 sunny days/yr

77 Violent Crime/100K 1,468 property/100K

Overall

3.1 / 5.0

Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education

Economy

4.0 / 5.0

$60,769 median income, 0.2% unemployment

A+

Affordability

5.0 / 5.0

$105,200 home value, $814/mo rent

Safety

1.0 / 5.0

77 violent crimes/100K (80% below avg)

C+

Education

2.6 / 5.0

19.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Cresco, IA

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

Median Income $60,769

19% lower than US avg

Home Value $105,200

63% lower than US avg

Violent Crime 77/100K

80% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 19.9%

41% lower than US avg

Median Rent $814

30% lower than US avg

Obesity Rate 37.4%

17% higher than US avg

Unemployment 0.2%

94% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 9.1%

27% lower than US avg

How Cresco Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population3,901

Median Age39.5 yrs

Density1,168/mi²

Male / Female50% / 50%

Largest GroupWhite 92%

Veterans9.5%

Economy

Median Income$60,769

Per Capita$28,660

Unemployment0.2%

Poverty9.1%

County GDP$727M

Commute17 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$105,200

Rent$814

Ownership71.0%

Zillow$197,973

Housing Units1,841

Rent Burden21.9%

Crime

Violent77/100K

Property1,468/100K

Murder0.0/100K

Assault52/100K

Burglary361/100K

Health

Obesity37.4%

Uninsured7.2%

Smoking16.1%

Depression21.6%

Heart Disease5.3%

Climate

Avg Temp45°F (7°C)

AQI43 (Good)

Rain38.0 in/yr

Sunny Days260/yr

Elevation1,302 ft (397 m)

Education

C+

Bachelor's+19.9%

High School+95.1%

Graduate+5.5%

School Score5.47

Community

2024 VoteR 65% / D 33%

Commute17 min

Broadband88.7%

EV Stations2

Libraries3

Is Cresco a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Cresco 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. Cresco offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Cresco is $60,769, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.2%. 9.1% 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 Cresco is $105,200, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $814 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Cresco is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,468 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.

Education

19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Cresco has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches, including 40.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.

Cresco has a population of 3,901 with a density of 1,168 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.3%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

3,901

Total Population

1,168

People / sq mi

39.5yrs

Median Age

2% above US avg

3.4mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.9%

Female 50.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Cresco vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 99.7%

27% above US avg

Spanish 0.3%

98% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Cresco vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Cresco is $60,769, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,660 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $927, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 341 business establishments, including 17 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). 9.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Cresco vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income	$60,769
	19% below US avg
Per Capita Income	$28,660
Avg Weekly Wage	$927
IRS Avg AGI	$65,702
Gini Index	0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	0.2%
	94% below US avg
Poverty Rate	9.1%
	27% below US avg
Establishments (County)	341
County GDP	$727M

Business (County)

Restaurants	17
Healthcare	22
Retail	49
Manufacturing	25

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)	$2,607
	26% below US avg
Cost of Living	87.80 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate	2.48%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time	16.7 min
Drive Alone	80.6%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	9.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Cresco is $105,200, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,973, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $814 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,841 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $2,607 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$105,200
	63% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI	$197,973

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$814
	30% below US avg
Rent Burden	21.9%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio	$738
1 Bedroom	$788
2 Bedrooms	$989
3 Bedrooms	$1,282
4 Bedrooms	$1,420

Ownership & Property

Homeownership	71.0%
Owner-Occupied	71.0%
Renter-Occupied	29.0%
Housing Units	1,841
Median Year Built	1952

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)	$2,607
	26% below US avg
Effective Rate	2.48%

In Cresco, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,896. The dentist ratio is 1:4,767. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Cresco vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity	37.4%
	17% above US avg
Diabetes	9.2%
Heart Disease	5.3%
High Blood Pressure	30.2%
Asthma	10.1%
COPD	6.1%
Cancer	7.4%
Stroke	2.8%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking	16.1%
	15% above US avg
Binge Drinking	22.7%
Physical Inactivity	23.4%
Depression	21.6%
Mental Distress	17.8%
Physical Distress	12.0%
Short Sleep	33.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate	97.0%
Uninsured	7.2%
	16% below US avg
Primary Care	1:1,896
Dentists	1:4,767
Mental Health	1:1,339
Checkup Rate	74.6%
Dental Visits	67.3%
Premature Death	6,255/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment	8.3/10
Exercise Access	76.5%
Healthcare Facilities	22

Cresco has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 51.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 25.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,468 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,030, burglary at 361, vehicle theft at 77 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Cresco receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Cresco vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent	77.3/100K
	80% below US avg
Murder	0.0/100K
	100% below US avg
Rape	25.8/100K
Robbery	0.0/100K
Assault	51.5/100K

Property Crime

Total Property	1,467.9/100K
	25% below US avg
Burglary	360.6/100K
Theft	1,030.1/100K
Vehicle Theft	77.3/100K
Arson	0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)	2
Traffic Accidents	3
Avg Accident Severity	2.7 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety Grade	F
Safety Score	1.0 / 5.0

View full crime details →

Cresco has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches. The area receives 40.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,302 feet.

Temperature

15°F Jan (-10°C) 71°F Jul (22°C)

Annual Average	45.0°F
	17% below US avg
January Average	15°F (-10°C)
July Average	71°F (22°C)
Sunny Days	260 days/yr

Geography

Elevation	1,302 ft (397 m)
Area	3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²)
Population Density	1,168/sq mi
Coordinates	43.3717°N, 92.1163°W
Timezone	America/Chicago
County	Howard County County
Nearest Airport	Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY) 32 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 38.0"

0% below US avg

Snowfall 40.3"

Wettest Month (Aug) 4.41"

Driest Month (Jan) 0.91"

Air Quality

AQI Median	43.0
Rating	Good

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall Risk	Very Low
Risk Score	15.6 / 100
Social Vulnerability	10.6 / 100
Community Resilience	75.1 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado	Relatively Low
Hurricane	Very Low
Earthquake	Very Low
Wildfire	Very Low
Flood	Very Low
Hail	Relatively Low
Strong Wind	Relatively Low
Heat Wave	Very Low
Winter Weather	Relatively Low
Lightning	Very Low
Ice Storm	Very Low
Drought	Relatively Moderate
Cold Wave	Relatively Low
Landslide	Very Low

Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Tornado History

491 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 405 injuries.

Date	Rating	Distance	Fatalities
May 15, 1968	EF5	80 km	5
Jul 12, 1971	EF4	31 km	0
Apr 30, 1967	EF4	86 km	0
Apr 30, 1967	EF4	86 km	0
May 5, 1965	EF4	58 km	0
Sep 16, 1962	EF4	72 km	0
Sep 1, 1961	EF4	97 km	0
May 10, 1953	EF4	25 km	2
Jun 17, 2010	EF3	100 km	0
Jun 17, 2010	EF3	98 km	0
May 25, 2008	EF3	86 km	0
Jun 11, 2004	EF3	35 km	0
May 11, 2000	EF3	99 km	1
Jul 27, 1995	EF3	93 km	0
Jul 19, 1994	EF3	13 km	0
May 30, 1985	EF3	75 km	2
May 17, 1982	EF3	97 km	0
Jun 5, 1980	EF3	80 km	0
May 28, 1974	EF3	89 km	0
Jul 12, 1971	EF3	74 km	0

Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)

Wildfire History

1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).

Year	Name	Acres	Distance
2007	BEAVER CUTOFF	982	88 km

Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	15°F (-10°C)	0.9 in	Coldest, Driest
February	20°F (-7°C)	0.9 in
March	32°F (-0°C)	2.1 in
April	46°F (8°C)	3.2 in
May	58°F (14°C)	3.9 in
June	67°F (20°C)	4.2 in
July	71°F (22°C)	4.1 in	Warmest
August	69°F (20°C)	4.4 in	Wettest
September	61°F (16°C)	4.0 in
October	49°F (9°C)	2.6 in
November	33°F (0°C)	1.9 in
December	19°F (-7°C)	1.3 in

Cresco has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").

View full weather details →

Cresco is located in Howard County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, adjacent, a rural community. 19.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 41% below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 65.3% of the vote, a 31.8-point margin. 88.7% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 2 EV charging stations. There are 3 public libraries serving the community. 22 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 65.3%

D 33.5%

Winner: Republican by 31.8 points

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)	2
Traffic Accidents	3
Avg Accident Severity	2.7 / 4.0

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	19.9%
	41% below US avg
High School+	95.1%
Graduate Degree+	5.5%
School Test Score	5.47

C+ Education Grade (2.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 8	Nonmetro / Rural, adjacent
Population Density	1,168/sq mi
Total Area	3.4 sq mi
County	Howard County County

Services

Broadband Access	88.7%
Avg Download Speed	89.7 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed	29.5 Mbps
Max Download Speed	1,000 Mbps
EV Charging Stations	2
Alt Fuel Stations	3
Public Libraries	3
Healthcare Facilities	22
Restaurants	17
Retail Stores	49

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	16.7 min
Drive Alone	80.6%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	9.0%

Average costs for common services in Cresco. 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	$663
Toddler	$571
Preschool	$571
Family Childcare (monthly)
Infant	$447
Toddler	$440
Preschool	$440

Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)

Top Industries in Howard County

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry	Jobs	Establishments	Avg Annual Pay	Location Quotient
Manufacturing	1,251	23	$54,639	3.46
Retail Trade	455	46	$31,526	1.03
Agriculture & Forestry	298	18	$45,439	8.36
Construction	215	44	$60,480	0.93
Finance & Insurance	159	23	$70,899	0.89
Wholesale Trade	153	20	$74,329	0.88
Other Services	96	16	$60,059	0.72
Information & Technology	30	6	$34,274	0.36
Real Estate	13	9	$34,163	0.19

Hospitals in Cresco

Hospital	Type	CMS Rating	Emergency	Phone
REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES OF HOWARD COUNTY	Critical Access Hospitals	—	Yes	(563) 547-2101

Schools in Cresco

3 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School	Level	Enrollment	Teachers	Student/Teacher
Crestwood High School	High	559	39	14.3:1
Crestwood Elementary School	Elementary	425	40	10.6:1
Cresco Early Childhood Development Center	—	56	3	18.7:1

View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Cresco

2 stations within ~55 km.

Station	Genre	Quality
Retro Country 890	classic country, country music	MP3 128 kbps
KRJE-Radio For Jesus Live Stream	christian	AAC+ 64 kbps

National Parks Near Cresco

19 national parks and monuments found near Cresco.

Park	Type	Fee
Backbone State Park	State Park	Free
Beaver Creek Valley State Park	State Park	Free
Carley State Park	State Park	Free
Cedar Rock	State Park	Free
Effigy Mounds National Monument	National Monument	Free
Forestville Mystery Cave State Park	State Park	Free
George Wyth State Park	State Park	Free
Great River Bluffs State Park	State Park	Free
Great River State Trail	State Park	Free
John A. Latsch State Park	State Park	Free
Lake Louise State Park	State Park	Free
Merrick State Park	State Park	Free
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park	State Park	Free
Perrot State Park	State Park	Free
Pikes Peak State Park	State Park	Free
Pine Lake State Park	State Park	Free
Rice Lake State Park	State Park	Free
Ridgewood Area	State Park	Free
Wyalusing State Park	State Park	Free

Historical Trends — Cresco

Population and economic data over time (US Census / ACS estimates).

Population

Median Household Income

Year	Population	Median Income
2013	3,834	$41,773
2015	3,793	$47,426
2017	3,774	$45,929
2019	3,730	$50,000
2021	3,911	$56,741
2023	3,884	$60,769

Museums in Cresco

Name	Type	Address	Phone	Annual Revenue
LAURA INGALLS WILDER PARK & MUSEUM	HISTORY MUSEUM			$69,381
BILY CLOCKS MUSEUM & ANTONIN DVORAK EXHIBIT	GENERAL MUSEUM		5635623569
CANTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY	HISTORIC PRESERVATION
HARMONY AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY	HISTORIC PRESERVATION	15 2ND STREET NW
HOWARD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY	HISTORIC PRESERVATION
MINNESOTA MUSEUM OF WOODCARVING	GENERAL MUSEUM
NORMAN BRLAUG HERITAGE FOUNDATION	GENERAL MUSEUM		5635473434
ST WENCESLAUS HERITAGE SOCIETY	GENERAL MUSEUM

Libraries in Cresco

Name	Address	Annual Visits
CRESCO PUBLIC LIBRARY	320 N ELM ST	58,200
HARMONY PUBLIC LIBRARY	225 3RD AV SW	9,948
LIME SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY	112 W MAIN ST	7,032
SPILLVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY	201 OAK ST	4,049
FORT ATKINSON PUBLIC LIBRARY	302 3RD NW	3,090

Farmers Markets in Cresco

Name	Address	Hours	Website
Calmar Farmers Market	Calmar Depot
Chester Farmers Market	City Park		Visit
Cresco Farmers Market	101 2nd Ave SW	Tue: 2:30 PM-5:30 PM;Fri: 2:30 PM-5:30 PM;	Visit
Lime Springs Farmers Market	Brown Park	Sat: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM;	Visit
Protivin Farmers Market	Main Street	Wed: 2:30 PM-5:00 PM;

Restaurants in Cresco

5 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Atomic Pizza

K-Town Tap

Panda Garden

Sue-Z-Q's Family Dining

Teluwut

Cinemas in Cresco

1 cinemas within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cresco Theatre & Opera House 1

Clinics in Cresco

1 clinics within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cresco Medical Clinic

Dentists in Cresco

1 dentists within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Cresco Family Dentistry

Gas Stations in Cresco

4 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Casey's General Store

Fast Stop

Hy-Vee DollarFresh Gas

Kwik Star

Breweries in Cresco

Name	Type	Address	Phone	Website
Kleve's Pub	Cocktail Lounges, IA, Bars & Clubs, Breweries & Brew Pubs, Pubs, Bars & Pubs, Restaurants, Restaura	110 N Elm St	5635472516

Nursing Homes in Cresco

3 nursing homes and rehabilitation centers (CMS data).

Facility	Ownership	Beds	Residents	Overall	Health	Staffing	Quality	Phone
EVANS MEMORIAL HOME 1010 NORTH ELM STREET	Non profit - Corporation	52	46	5/5	—	2/5	5/5	5635472364
HAWKEYE CARE CENTER CRESCO 701 VERNON ROAD SW	For profit - Corporation	63	48	5/5	—	4/5	5/5	5635473580
PATTY ELWOOD CENTER 21668 80TH STREET	Non profit - Corporation	24	23	5/5	—	4/5	5/5	5635472398

Pharmacies in Cresco

2 pharmacies and drugstores.

Pharmacy	Address	Phone
HOINES HEALTH MART PHARMACY	113 NORTH ELM STREET	563-547-3401
MEDICAP PHARMACY	303 2ND AVENUE SOUTHWEST	563-547-5111

EV Charging Stations in Cresco

Name	Address	Network	Level 2	DC Fast	Connectors	Access
City of Cresco - Fareway Parking Lot	112 S. Elm St	Blink Network	2		J1772	public
MiEnergy Cooperative	24049 IA-9	ZEFNET	2		J1772	public

Cell Towers in Cresco

Address	Structure Type	Height (ft)
DAVIS CORNERS CELL SITE 15200 HWY 9 RR 3	TOWER	128
NW ¼ Section 14 Township 101N Range 10 W	TOWER	81
2576 307th Ave	TOWER	60

Fire Stations in Cresco

Name	Address	Type	Active Firefighters	Volunteers	Phone
Cresco Fire Department	215 2nd AVE SW	Volunteer			563-547-3800

Power Plants Near Cresco

Name	Type	Primary Fuel	Capacity (MW)	Status
ALLIANT SBD 9206 DONALDSON	PETROLEUM LIQUIDS	221112	-92.1	SB

Bridges in Cresco

Type	Kind	Year Built	Length (ft)	Daily Traffic	Condition
Slab	Concrete continuous	2023	101	3,200	G
Stringer/Multi-beam	Prestressed concrete	1980	234	1,601	F
Slab	Concrete continuous	1995	134	1,560	F
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1990	38	1,560	G
Stringer/Multi-beam	Prestressed concrete	1990	261	1,560	G
Culvert	Concrete continuous	2002	47	1,218	G
Slab	Concrete continuous	2009	61	766	G
Slab	Concrete	2009	34	766	F
Culvert	Concrete continuous	2006	34	737	G
Culvert	Concrete	2017	41	717	G
Stringer/Multi-beam	Prestressed concrete	1994	189	422	G
Stringer/Multi-beam	Prestressed concrete	1966	63	422	F
Slab	Concrete continuous	1949	83	393	P
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel	1949	53	393	P
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel continuous	1950	252	393	P
Slab	Concrete continuous	1995	157	265	G
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1980	24	145	G
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1973	21	128	G
Slab	Concrete continuous	2003	128	118	G
Channel Beam	Concrete	1971	62	118	F
Tee Beam	Prestressed concrete	2001	52	118	G
Channel Beam	Concrete	1957	26	98	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Prestressed concrete	1985	201	98	F
Slab	Concrete continuous	2012	123	91	G
Slab	Concrete continuous	1970	75	88	P
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1995	23	79	G
Tee Beam	Prestressed concrete	1990	80	78	F
Culvert	Concrete	2002	27	69	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel	2020	70	62	G
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel	2020	71	62	G
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1973	23	62	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel	1947	53	62	P
Stringer/Multi-beam	Wood or Timber	1987	128	59	F
Slab	Concrete	1976	32	59	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Wood or Timber	1987	27	59	F
Slab	Concrete continuous	2023	134	49	G
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1974	21	49	F
Slab	Concrete continuous	1973	91	49	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel	2021	34	47	G
Channel Beam	Concrete	1977	94	44	P
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel	1949	53	42	P
Stringer/Multi-beam	Wood or Timber	1949	39	42	P
Stringer/Multi-beam	Wood or Timber	1957	47	41	G
Culvert	Concrete continuous	1968	24	40	F
Culvert	Concrete continuous	2011	31	39	G
Culvert	Steel	2013	22	39	G
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel	1900	36	33	F
Culvert	Steel	2005	32	30	G
Culvert	Concrete continuous	2013	56	30	G
Slab	Concrete continuous	1979	100	29	G
Culvert	Steel	2017	26	26	G
Channel Beam	Concrete	1973	26	25	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Wood or Timber	1944	26	25	F
Culvert	Steel	1961	99	25	P
Stringer/Multi-beam	Wood or Timber	1988	24	21	F
Culvert	Wood or Timber	1960	25	21	P
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel	1900	24	15	F
Stringer/Multi-beam	Steel	1900	34		F

Correctional Facilities in Cresco

Name	Address	Type	Population	Capacity	Status
HOWARD COUNTY JAIL	124 SOUTH PARK PLACE	COUNTY	-999	10	OPEN

Airports Near Cresco

35 airports within the area.

Airport	IATA	Type
Northeast Iowa Regional Airport	CCY	Medium Airport
Rochester International Airport	RST	Medium Airport
Allison Municipal Airport	—	Small Airport
Bluebird Airport	—	Small Airport
Caldbeck Field	—	Small Airport
Dale Delight Airport	—	Small Airport
Decorah Municipal Airport	DEH	Small Airport
Deters Farms Airport	—	Small Airport
Dodge Center Airport	—	Small Airport
Elkader Airport	—	Small Airport
Ellen Church Field	—	Small Airport
Eyota Airport	—	Small Airport
Fillmore County Airport	—	Small Airport
Flying A Airport	—	Small Airport
George L Scott Municipal Airport	—	Small Airport
Gilgenbach's Airport	—	Small Airport
Henry Airport	—	Small Airport
High Grove Airport	—	Small Airport
Houston County Airport	—	Small Airport
Kohlmeyer Airport	—	Small Airport
Matthias Field	—	Small Airport
Mitchell Field	—	Small Airport
New Hampton Municipal Airport	—	Small Airport
Oelwein Municipal Airport	—	Small Airport
Osage Municipal Airport	—	Small Airport
Petes Airport	—	Small Airport
Pietenpol Field	—	Small Airport
Rushford Municipal Airport - Robert W Bunke Field	—	Small Airport
Schubert Airstrip	—	Small Airport
Scrabeck Airport	—	Small Airport
Trygstad Airport	—	Small Airport
Van Norman's Airport	—	Small Airport
Waukon Municipal Airport	UKN	Small Airport
Waverly Municipal Airport	—	Small Airport
Winona Municipal Airport Max Conrad Field	ONA	Small Airport

Police Stations in Cresco

1 police stations.

Station	Address	Phone
Harmony Police Department

Grocery Stores in Cresco

6 grocery stores.

Store	Type	Address
Casey's 2511	Convenience Store	601 2nd Ave SW
Dollar Fresh 1094	Super Store	22422 Highway 9
Dollar General Store 31641	Other	419 2nd Ave SE
DOLLARTREE 9548	Other	612 2nd Ave E
Fareway Stores Inc. 815	Super Store	112 S Elm St
Kwik Star 428	Convenience Store	330 2nd Ave SE

Post Offices in Cresco

1 post offices.

Post Office	Address
Cresco Post Office

Treatment Centers in Cresco

2 treatment centers.

Center	Type	Phone
Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health Inc - (NEIBH)/Cresco	Substance Abuse	563-382-3649
Northeast Iowa Mental Health Center	Both	563-382-3649

DOL Wage Violations in Cresco

2 employers with DOL wage violations totaling $20,805 in back wages owed to 18 employees.

Violations

$20,805

Back Wages Owed

Employees Owed

Data from the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division (WHD) enforcement actions since FY 2005.

Employer	Severity	Parent Company	ZIP	Industry	Cases	Back Wages	Per Employee	Employees
DONALDSON COMPANY INC.	—	—	52136	Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing	1	$18,042	$18,042	1
Patty Elwood Center	—	—	52136	—	1	$2,763	$163	17

Churches & Religious Organizations in Cresco

4 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

Name	Address
BRIDGING LIFE CONNECTIONS CORPORATION	113 2ND AVE SW APT 3
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH	305 2ND AVE W
NOTRE DAME CHURCH CORP	116 3RD ST E
SAUDE LUTHERAN CHURCH	723 3RD ST E

Explore Near Cresco

UFO Sightings

Reported UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center database

View all →

Bigfoot Sightings

Eyewitness reports filed with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization

View all →

Mines

Active and inactive mining sites tracked by the Mine Safety and Health Administration

View all →

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Cresco.

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Cresco

What is the population of Cresco?

Cresco has a population of 3,901 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,168 people per square mile, spread across 3.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.5 years. The population is 50.1% female and 49.9% male.

Is Cresco expensive to live in?

Cresco 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 $60,769, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $105,200 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $814 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Cresco safe?

Cresco is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,468 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cresco receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Cresco?

Cresco has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 40.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.

How is the job market in Cresco?

The job market in Cresco is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $927. There are 341 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 9.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Cresco?

The median home value in Cresco is $105,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,973. For renters, the median monthly rent is $814. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,607.

How are the schools in Cresco?

Schools in Cresco score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.9% of adults in Cresco hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Cresco?

The obesity rate in Cresco is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,896.

What is transportation like in Cresco?

The average commute in Cresco is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Cresco?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cresco is 92.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Harmony, MN 1,089 pop · 13.7 mi Decorah, IA 7,597 pop · 17.4 mi Preston, MN 1,315 pop · 20.9 mi New Hampton, IA 3,462 pop · 24.0 mi Spring Valley, MN 2,357 pop · 25.8 mi Spring Grove, MN 1,223 pop · 27.4 mi Fredericksburg, IA 1,040 pop · 28.4 mi West Union, IA 2,393 pop · 32.4 mi Chatfield, MN 2,693 pop · 32.8 mi Waukon, IA 3,796 pop · 32.8 mi Postville, IA 2,787 pop · 34.0 mi Charles City, IA 7,321 pop · 35.2 mi Osage, IA 3,578 pop · 35.5 mi Rushford, MN 1,790 pop · 35.5 mi

Compare Cresco with another city:

Cresco, IA

Discover Cresco, IA

City Guide — Cresco

Overview 11/11

People 10/10

Economy 13/13

Housing 13/17

Health 25/26

Crime & Safety 11/12

Climate & Environment 17/19

Community 14/14

Cost of Services 3/3

Historical Trends 3/3

Geography 6/6

Places & Facilities 23/32

Explore (Map Features) 3/3

How Cresco Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Economy

Housing

Crime

Health

Climate

Education

Community

Is Cresco a Good Place to Live?

Economy & Jobs

Cost of Living & Housing

Safety & Crime

Education

Climate & Weather

Population

Gender Distribution

Race & Ethnicity

Cresco vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Social Characteristics

Cresco vs U.S. Average

Income: Cresco vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Employment & Poverty

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

HUD Fair Market Rent

Ownership & Property

Property Tax

Health Metrics: Cresco vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Behaviors & Mental Health

Healthcare Access

Food & Exercise

Crime Rates: Cresco vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Temperature

Geography

Precipitation & Snow

Air Quality

Natural Hazard Risk

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado History

Wildfire History

Monthly Weather

2024 Presidential Election (County)

Safety & Disasters

Education

Area & Infrastructure

Services

Commute & Transportation

Healthcare