Median Income
$66,111
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,300
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.7%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$935
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Dakota City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population887
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density1,215/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,111
Per Capita$34,556
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$598M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,300
Rent$935
Ownership77.1%
Zillow$129,731
Housing Units421
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property584/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking16.8%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,123 ft (342 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.7%
High School+90.1%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute16 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Dakota City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dakota City receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Dakota City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dakota City is $66,111, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dakota City is $119,300, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $935 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
Dakota City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 584 per 100,000, 70% below the national average.
Education
7.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dakota City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°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 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dakota City has a population of 887 with a density of 1,215 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (88.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 90% of residents, while 10% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Dakota City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.0%
15% above US avg
Spanish
10.0%
25% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Dakota City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Dakota City is $66,111, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,556 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,014, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 367 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.9% of workers work from home.
Income: Dakota City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,111 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,556 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,014 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,410 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 367 |
| County GDP | $598M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,919 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.9% |
The median home value in Dakota City is $119,300, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,731. Monthly rent averages $935 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 421 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,919 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% 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 | $119,300 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $129,731 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $935 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.9% |
| Housing Units | 421 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,919 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.12% |
In Dakota City, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,634. The dentist ratio is 1:2,393. 63.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dakota City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,634 |
| Dentists | 1:2,393 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,167 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,220/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Dakota City has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 584 per 100,000, 70% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dakota City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dakota City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 129.8/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 584.0/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dakota City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°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 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,123 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,123 ft (342 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,215/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7238°N, 94.1971°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Humboldt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.8"
6% 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 | 24.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.0 / 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 |
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 |
75 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
620 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 901 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
88 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
46 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
35 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Dakota City has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Dakota City. 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 | $652 |
| Toddler | $562 |
| Preschool | $562 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $440 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dakota City
What is the population of Dakota City?
Dakota City has a population of 887 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,215 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Dakota City expensive to live in?
Dakota City 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 $66,111, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,300 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $935 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 Dakota City safe?
Dakota City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 584 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dakota City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dakota City?
Dakota City 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 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dakota City?
The unemployment rate in Dakota City is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,014. There are 367 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 14.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dakota City?
The median home value in Dakota City is $119,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $129,731. For renters, the median monthly rent is $935. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,919.
How are the schools in Dakota City?
Schools in Dakota City score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.7% of adults in Dakota City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dakota City?
The obesity rate in Dakota City is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 63.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,634.
What is transportation like in Dakota City?
The average commute in Dakota City is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dakota City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dakota City is 88.5% White. 90% of residents speak only English at home, while 10% speak Spanish. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
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