Median Income
$80,417
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$84,400
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.9%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$838
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.1%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Diagonal Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population481
Median Age47.2 yrs
Density529/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,417
Per Capita$21,470
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$234M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$84,400
Rent$838
Ownership89.4%
Zillow$130,916
Housing Units147
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property1,872/100K
Health
Obesity42.1%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking14.8%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,178 ft (359 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.9%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+8.5%
School Score6.06
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute17 min
Broadband87.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Diagonal a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Diagonal receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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. Diagonal offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Diagonal is $80,417, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Diagonal is $84,400, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $838 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Diagonal is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Diagonal experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°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 37.0 inches, including 20.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Diagonal has a population of 481 with a density of 529 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 58.4% female and 41.6% male. The city is predominantly White (84.8%), with 12.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.2yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Diagonal is $80,417, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,470 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $889, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 182 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 18.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,417 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,470 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $889 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,255 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 182 |
| County GDP | $234M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,583 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 18.6% |
The median home value in Diagonal is $84,400, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,916, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $838 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 147 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,583 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $84,400 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,916 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $838 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.6% |
| Housing Units | 147 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,583 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.80% |
In Diagonal, 42.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 24.3% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:928. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Diagonal vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.1% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:928 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,711/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Diagonal has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,872 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Diagonal receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Diagonal vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 265.7/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,872.5/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Diagonal experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°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 37.0 inches. The area receives 20.5 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 1,178 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.6°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,178 ft (359 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 529/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8109°N, 94.3419°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ringgold County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.0"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.6 / 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 |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Dec 17, 2009.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
62 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
571 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 244 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
77 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
50 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
48 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
51 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Diagonal has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Diagonal. 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 | $684 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $589 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $449 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Diagonal
What is the population of Diagonal?
Diagonal has a population of 481 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 529 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 58.4% female and 41.6% male.
Is Diagonal expensive to live in?
Diagonal 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 $80,417, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $84,400 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $838 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Diagonal safe?
Diagonal is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Diagonal receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Diagonal?
Diagonal has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°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 37.0 inches, with 20.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Diagonal?
The job market in Diagonal is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $889. There are 182 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 18.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Diagonal?
The median home value in Diagonal is $84,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,916. For renters, the median monthly rent is $838. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,583.
How are the schools in Diagonal?
Schools in Diagonal score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.9% of adults in Diagonal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 8.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Diagonal?
The obesity rate in Diagonal is 42.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:928.
What is transportation like in Diagonal?
The average commute in Diagonal is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 18.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Diagonal?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Diagonal is 84.8% White, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 8.8% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.
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