Median Income
$67,396
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,900
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
246/100K
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$542
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.5%
88% lower than US avg
How Dayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population789
Median Age47.2 yrs
Density928/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,396
Per Capita$42,425
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty1.5%
County GDP$2,759M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,900
Rent$542
Ownership70.0%
Zillow$141,498
Housing Units418
Rent Burden23.6%
Crime
F
Violent246/100K
Property787/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking16.5%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,128 ft (344 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score4.82
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute27 min
Broadband83.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Dayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dayton receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Dayton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dayton is $67,396, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 1.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dayton is $106,900, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $542 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dayton is below the national average at 246 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 787 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Dayton 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 35.3 inches, including 31.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dayton has a population of 789 with a density of 928 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 47.2 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (96.1%), with 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.2yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Dayton is $67,396, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,425. The average weekly wage is $1,091, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (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 1,198 business establishments, including 82 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,396 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,425 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,091 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,898 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.5% |
| 88% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,198 |
| County GDP | $2,759M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 126 |
| Retail | 140 |
| Manufacturing | 40 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,372 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Dayton is $106,900, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,498, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $542 (53% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 418 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $5,372 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,900 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,498 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $542 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.0% |
| Housing Units | 418 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,372 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.03% |
In Dayton, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322. The dentist ratio is 1:1,221. 83.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,322 |
| Dentists | 1:1,221 |
| Mental Health | 1:297 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,249/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 126 |
Dayton has a violent crime rate of 246 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 787 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dayton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dayton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 245.9/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 787.0/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dayton 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 35.3 inches. The area receives 31.7 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 1,128 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 | 1,128 ft (344 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 928/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2622°N, 94.0711°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Webster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.3"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.2 / 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
683 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 34 fatalities, 1,007 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
96 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
69 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
60 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
70 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (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 |
100 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) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Dayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Dayton. 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 | $674 |
| Toddler | $581 |
| Preschool | $581 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dayton
What is the population of Dayton?
Dayton has a population of 789 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 928 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Dayton expensive to live in?
Dayton 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 $67,396, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,900 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $542 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dayton safe?
Dayton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 246 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 787 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dayton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dayton?
Dayton 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 35.3 inches, with 31.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dayton?
The job market in Dayton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,091. There are 1,198 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dayton?
The median home value in Dayton is $106,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,498. For renters, the median monthly rent is $542. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,372.
How are the schools in Dayton?
Schools in Dayton have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.5% of adults in Dayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dayton?
The obesity rate in Dayton is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322.
What is transportation like in Dayton?
The average commute in Dayton is 27 minutes. 84.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dayton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dayton is 96.1% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 12.4% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
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