Median Income
$33,750
55% lower than US avg
Home Value
$84,200
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
159/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.4%
90% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.3%
152% higher than US avg
How Decatur Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population163
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density429/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$33,750
Per Capita$19,577
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty31.3%
County GDP$278M
Commute38 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,200
Ownership95.5%
Zillow$139,978
Rent Burden19.1%
Crime
F
Violent159/100K
Property1,746/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Smoking18.9%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,132 ft (345 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.4%
High School+84.3%
School Score5.15
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute38 min
Broadband66.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Decatur a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Decatur receives an overall livability score of 2.4 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, long commute times. Decatur has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Decatur is $33,750, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. The poverty rate of 31.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Decatur is $84,200, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Decatur is below the national average at 159 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
3.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Decatur experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Decatur has a population of 163 with a density of 429 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (87.1%), with 8% Hispanic. 5.3% of the population are veterans.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
The median household income in Decatur is $33,750, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,577 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $827, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 31.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 224 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 38 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $33,750 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,577 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $827 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,793 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.3% |
| 152% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 224 |
| County GDP | $278M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,429 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 38.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Decatur is $84,200, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,978, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $700 for a one-bedroom to $919 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). The average annual property tax is $4,429 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,200 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $139,978 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $634 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $919 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,102 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,542 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.5% |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,429 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.26% |
In Decatur, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,537. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Decatur vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| |
| Primary Care | 1:3,829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,537 |
| Mental Health | 1:365 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,258/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Decatur has a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,746 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Decatur receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Decatur vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 158.7/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,745.7/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 36 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Decatur experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,132 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.6°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,132 ft (345 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 429/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7427°N, 93.8328°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Decatur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.1 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
525 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 215 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
94 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
63 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
40 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 1994 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Decatur has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Decatur. 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 | $659 |
| Toddler | $568 |
| Preschool | $568 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $426 |
| Preschool | $426 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Decatur
What is the population of Decatur?
Decatur has a population of 163 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 429 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is Decatur expensive to live in?
Decatur 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 $33,750, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,200 (70% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Decatur safe?
Decatur is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Decatur receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Decatur?
Decatur has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Decatur?
The job market in Decatur is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $827. There are 224 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 38 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Decatur?
The median home value in Decatur is $84,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,978. The homeownership rate is 95.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,429.
How are the schools in Decatur?
Schools in Decatur score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.4% of adults in Decatur hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school.
How healthy is Decatur?
The obesity rate in Decatur is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,829.
What is transportation like in Decatur?
The average commute in Decatur is 38 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Decatur?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Decatur is 87.1% White, 8% Hispanic or Latino. 5.3% of the population are military veterans.
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