Median Income
$50,752
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,600
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
334/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.9%
29% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$672
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.1%
6% higher than US avg
How Creston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,466
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density1,439/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,752
Per Capita$28,905
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty13.1%
County GDP$965M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,600
Rent$672
Ownership65.6%
Zillow$148,825
Housing Units3,814
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent334/100K
Property2,107/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault308/100K
Burglary514/100K
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking17.4%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,290 ft (393 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.9%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+7.7%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute12 min
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Creston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Creston receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Creston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Creston is $50,752, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 13.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Creston is $112,600, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $672 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
Violent crime in Creston is below the national average at 334 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,107 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
23.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Creston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Creston has a population of 7,466 with a density of 1,439 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.9% female and 47.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Creston is $50,752, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,905 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 459 business establishments, including 27 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). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,752 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,905 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,108 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 459 |
| County GDP | $965M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,256 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Creston is $112,600, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,825, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $672 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,814 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $4,256 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% 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 | $112,600 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,825 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $672 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.4% |
| Housing Units | 3,814 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,256 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.78% |
In Creston, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,002. The dentist ratio is 1:1,981. 83.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Creston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,002 |
| Dentists | 1:1,981 |
| Mental Health | 1:458 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,896/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Creston has a violent crime rate of 334 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 308.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 25.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,107 per 100,000, 7% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,503, burglary at 514, vehicle theft at 90 per 100,000 residents. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Creston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Creston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 334.0/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 25.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 308.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,106.9/100K |
| 7% above US avg |
| Burglary | 513.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,503.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 89.9/100K |
| Arson | 12.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Creston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,290 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,290 ft (393 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,439/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0603°N, 94.3647°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Dec 17, 2009.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
79 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
646 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 23 fatalities, 395 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
52 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
51 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
24 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
5 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
5 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
77 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Creston has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Creston. 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 | $662 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $439 |
| Preschool | $439 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Creston
What is the population of Creston?
Creston has a population of 7,466 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,439 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 52.9% female and 47.1% male.
Is Creston expensive to live in?
Creston 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 $50,752, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,600 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $672 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 Creston safe?
Creston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 334 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,107 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Creston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Creston?
Creston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Creston?
The job market in Creston is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 459 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Creston?
The median home value in Creston is $112,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,825. For renters, the median monthly rent is $672. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,256.
How are the schools in Creston?
Schools in Creston score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.9% of adults in Creston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 7.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Creston?
The obesity rate in Creston is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 83.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,002.
What is transportation like in Creston?
The average commute in Creston is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Creston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Creston is 94.9% White. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
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