Median Income
$92,778
23% higher than US avg
Home Value
$98,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.2%
85% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.5%
64% lower than US avg
How Dickens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population134
Median Age49.5 yrs
Density160/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans10.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$92,778
Per Capita$33,178
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty4.5%
County GDP$1,540M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,000
Ownership96.2%
Zillow$224,300
Housing Units65
Rent Burden15.0%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property2,334/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking15.5%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,346 ft (410 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.2%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute23 min
Broadband52.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Dickens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dickens receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Dickens offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dickens is $92,778, 23% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dickens is $98,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Dickens is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,334 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Dickens experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°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 31.0 inches, including 43.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dickens has a population of 134 with a density of 160 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 49.5 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44% female and 56% male. The city is predominantly White (97%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 10.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.5yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.1%
62% below US avg
The median household income in Dickens is $92,778, which is 23% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,178 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,029, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 742 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,778 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,178 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,029 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.5% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 742 |
| County GDP | $1,540M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 97 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,811 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Dickens is $98,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,300, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 65 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $4,811 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,300 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.8% |
| Housing Units | 65 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,811 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.91% |
In Dickens, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 24.0% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 20.9% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,174. The dentist ratio is 1:969. 74.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dickens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,174 |
| Dentists | 1:969 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 70.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,924/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Dickens has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,334 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dickens receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dickens vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.7/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,334.4/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dickens experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°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 31.0 inches. The area receives 43.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,346 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,346 ft (410 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 160/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1338°N, 95.0222°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.0"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| 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: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
143 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
35 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
565 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 216 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
66 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
64 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
10 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Dickens has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Dickens. 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 Dickens
What is the population of Dickens?
Dickens has a population of 134 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 160 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44% female and 56% male.
Is Dickens expensive to live in?
Dickens 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 $92,778, 23% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,000 (65% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dickens safe?
Dickens is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,334 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dickens receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dickens?
Dickens has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°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 31.0 inches, with 43.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dickens?
The job market in Dickens is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,029. There are 742 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dickens?
The median home value in Dickens is $98,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,300. The homeownership rate is 96.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,811.
How are the schools in Dickens?
Schools in Dickens score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.2% of adults in Dickens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dickens?
The obesity rate in Dickens is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,174.
What is transportation like in Dickens?
The average commute in Dickens is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dickens?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dickens is 97% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.1% speak Spanish. 10.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
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