Median Income
$88,523
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$235,900
16% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
122/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.0%
25% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$708
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.0%
84% lower than US avg
How Dike Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,258
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density905/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$88,523
Per Capita$45,910
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty2.0%
County GDP$732M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$235,900
Rent$708
Ownership87.9%
Zillow$288,807
Housing Units548
Rent Burden21.1%
Crime
F
Violent122/100K
Property1,923/100K
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured5.5%
Smoking13.3%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation943 ft (287 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.0%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+11.0%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute19 min
Broadband91.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Dike a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dike receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Dike offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dike is $88,523, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dike is $235,900, 16% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $708 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Dike is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 122 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,923 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Dike experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°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 36.8 inches, including 32.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dike has a population of 1,258 with a density of 905 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Dike is $88,523, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,910 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,118, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 389 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,523 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,910 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,118 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,602 |
| Gini Index | 0.373 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.0% |
| 84% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 389 |
| County GDP | $732M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 39 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,000 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in Dike is $235,900, 16% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,807, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $708 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 548 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,000. 21.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $235,900 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $288,807 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $708 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.1% |
| Housing Units | 548 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,000 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.70% |
In Dike, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 13.3% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.1% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,116. The dentist ratio is 1:4,119. 83.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Dike vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.3% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 5.5% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,116 |
| Dentists | 1:4,119 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,064 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,156/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 83.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Dike has a violent crime rate of 122 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,923 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. Overall, Dike receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dike vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 122.3/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,922.6/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dike experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°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 36.8 inches. The area receives 32.3 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 943 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 943 ft (287 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 905/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4641°N, 92.6256°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grundy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.8"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.7 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
667 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 47 fatalities, 1,196 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
23 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
61 km |
5 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
53 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
92 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
16 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
73 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Dike has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Dike. 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 | $700 |
| Toddler | $603 |
| Preschool | $603 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $460 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dike
What is the population of Dike?
Dike has a population of 1,258 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 905 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Dike expensive to live in?
Dike 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 $88,523, 18% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $235,900 (16% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $708 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dike safe?
Dike is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 122 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,923 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dike receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dike?
Dike has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°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 36.8 inches, with 32.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dike?
The job market in Dike is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,118. There are 389 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dike?
The median home value in Dike is $235,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,807. For renters, the median monthly rent is $708. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,000.
How are the schools in Dike?
Schools in Dike score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 42.0% of adults in Dike hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 11.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dike?
The obesity rate in Dike is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.3% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 5.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,116.
What is transportation like in Dike?
The average commute in Dike is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dike?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dike is 96.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.