Median Income
$54,750
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$39,400
86% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
290/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.6%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$928
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Delta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population332
Median Age31.8 yrs
Density346/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans14.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,750
Per Capita$24,332
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$443M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$39,400
Rent$928
Ownership82.9%
Zillow$119,390
Housing Units156
Rent Burden23.9%
Crime
F
Violent290/100K
Property4,328/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking17.7%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation806 ft (246 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.6%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute34 min
Broadband78.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Delta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Delta receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Delta has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Delta is $54,750, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Delta is $39,400, 86% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $928 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Delta is below the national average at 290 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,328 per 100,000, 121% above the national average.
Education
5.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Delta 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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Delta has a population of 332 with a density of 346 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 31.8 years, 18% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.1%), with 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.2% of residents, while 7.8% speak Spanish. 14.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.8yrs
Median Age
18% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.2%
17% above US avg
Spanish
7.8%
42% below US avg
The median household income in Delta is $54,750, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,332 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (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 316 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,750 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,332 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,794 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 316 |
| County GDP | $443M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.19% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Delta is $39,400, 86% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,390, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $928 (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. 82.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 156 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,438 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $39,400 |
| 86% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $119,390 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $928 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.1% |
| Housing Units | 156 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.19% |
In Delta, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.5% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914. The dentist ratio is 1:2,476. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Delta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,914 |
| Dentists | 1:2,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:9,914 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,349/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Delta has a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,328 per 100,000, 121% above the U.S. average. Overall, Delta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Delta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.4/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,328.0/100K |
| 121% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Delta 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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 806 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 806 ft (246 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 346/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3228°N, 92.3306°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Keokuk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
531 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 288 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (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 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
61 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
60 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
59 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Delta has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Delta. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $597 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Delta
What is the population of Delta?
Delta has a population of 332 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 346 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Delta expensive to live in?
Delta 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 $54,750, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $39,400 (86% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $928 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Delta safe?
Delta is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,328 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Delta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Delta?
Delta 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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Delta?
The job market in Delta is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 316 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Delta?
The median home value in Delta is $39,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $119,390. For renters, the median monthly rent is $928. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,438.
How are the schools in Delta?
Schools in Delta score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.6% of adults in Delta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Delta?
The obesity rate in Delta is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914.
What is transportation like in Delta?
The average commute in Delta is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Delta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Delta is 90.1% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 92.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.8% speak Spanish. 14.3% of the population are military veterans. 22.2% of residents have a disability. 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
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