Median Income
$83,214
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$157,200
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
387/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.9%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$867
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.4%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Dexter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population781
Median Age37.9 yrs
Density625/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans10.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,214
Per Capita$34,816
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$11,107M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$157,200
Rent$867
Ownership83.6%
Zillow$229,873
Housing Units287
Rent Burden13.9%
Crime
F
Violent387/100K
Property2,202/100K
Health
Obesity33.4%
Uninsured5.6%
Smoking12.4%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,148 ft (350 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.9%
High School+98.7%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score6.79
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute31 min
Broadband88.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries12
Is Dexter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dexter receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Dexter offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dexter is $83,214, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dexter is $157,200, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 387 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,202 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.8/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dexter experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dexter has a population of 781 with a density of 625 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 37.9 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (95.5%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 10.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.9yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Dexter is $83,214, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,816 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,468. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,600 business establishments, including 211 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,214 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,816 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,468 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $126,108 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,600 |
| County GDP | $11,107M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 211 |
| Healthcare | 263 |
| Retail | 299 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,070 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Dexter is $157,200, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,873, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $867 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 287 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $7,070 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,200 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $229,873 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $867 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.4% |
| Housing Units | 287 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,070 |
| 102% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.50% |
In Dexter, 33.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 12.4% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 20.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.4% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 5.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,359. The dentist ratio is 1:3,484. 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dexter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.4% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.4% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.1% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Short Sleep | 27.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 5.6% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,359 |
| Dentists | 1:3,484 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,415 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 74.3% |
| Premature Death | 4,244/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 263 |
Dexter has a violent crime rate of 387 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,202 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dexter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dexter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 387.1/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,201.8/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 114 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dexter experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,148 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,148 ft (350 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 625/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5154°N, 94.2276°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dallas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Jul 16, 2004.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
148 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
705 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 312 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
40 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
90 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
31 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
56 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Dexter has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Dexter. 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 | $803 |
| Toddler | $692 |
| Preschool | $692 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $542 |
| Toddler | $533 |
| Preschool | $533 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dexter
What is the population of Dexter?
Dexter has a population of 781 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 625 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Dexter expensive to live in?
Dexter 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 $83,214, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,200 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dexter safe?
The violent crime rate in Dexter is 387 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,202 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dexter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dexter?
Dexter has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dexter?
Dexter has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,468. There are 3,600 business establishments in the area, including 211 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dexter?
The median home value in Dexter is $157,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,873. For renters, the median monthly rent is $867. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.6%. The average annual property tax is $7,070.
How are the schools in Dexter?
Schools in Dexter score 6.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.9% of adults in Dexter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.7% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dexter?
The obesity rate in Dexter is 33.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.4% of adults are smokers. 20.1% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 5.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,359.
What is transportation like in Dexter?
The average commute in Dexter is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dexter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dexter is 95.5% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 10.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.2% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
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