Median Income
$55,313
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,000
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
516/100K
36% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.1%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$751
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Donnellson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population813
Median Age37.4 yrs
Density640/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,313
Per Capita$30,502
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$2,264M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,000
Rent$751
Ownership76.0%
Zillow$136,155
Housing Units417
Rent Burden31.1%
Crime
F
Violent516/100K
Property1,947/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking16.1%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation704 ft (215 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.1%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score5.37
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute27 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Donnellson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Donnellson receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Donnellson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Donnellson is $55,313, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Donnellson is $134,000, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $751 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 516 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,947 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
24.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Donnellson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches, including 26.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Donnellson has a population of 813 with a density of 640 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 37.4 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.8% female and 42.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.3%), with 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.4yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Donnellson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Donnellson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Donnellson is $55,313, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,502 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,103, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,061 business establishments, including 83 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Donnellson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,313 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,502 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,103 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,118 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,061 |
| County GDP | $2,264M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 83 |
| Healthcare | 88 |
| Retail | 108 |
| Manufacturing | 50 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,062 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Donnellson is $134,000, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,155. Monthly rent averages $751 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 417 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $4,062 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,000 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,155 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $751 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.0% |
| Housing Units | 417 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,062 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.03% |
In Donnellson, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,582. The dentist ratio is 1:1,824. 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Donnellson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,582 |
| Dentists | 1:1,824 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,018 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 69.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,251/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 88 |
Donnellson has a violent crime rate of 516 per 100,000 residents, 36% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,947 per 100,000, 1% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Donnellson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Donnellson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 516.3/100K |
| 36% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,947.3/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 31 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Donnellson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°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 39.2 inches. The area receives 26.6 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 704 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 704 ft (215 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 640/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6453°N, 91.5641°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.7 / 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 Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 8, 2004.
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
452 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 237 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
29 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
46 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
65 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Donnellson has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Donnellson. 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 | $680 |
| Toddler | $586 |
| Preschool | $586 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Donnellson
What is the population of Donnellson?
Donnellson has a population of 813 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 640 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.4 years. The population is 57.8% female and 42.2% male.
Is Donnellson expensive to live in?
Donnellson 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 $55,313, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,000 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $751 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Donnellson safe?
The violent crime rate in Donnellson is 516 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 1,947 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Donnellson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Donnellson?
Donnellson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches, with 26.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Donnellson?
The job market in Donnellson is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,103. There are 1,061 business establishments in the area, including 83 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Donnellson?
The median home value in Donnellson is $134,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,155. For renters, the median monthly rent is $751. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,062.
How are the schools in Donnellson?
Schools in Donnellson score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.1% of adults in Donnellson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Donnellson?
The obesity rate in Donnellson is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,582.
What is transportation like in Donnellson?
The average commute in Donnellson is 27 minutes. 83.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Donnellson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Donnellson is 96.3% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.1% of residents have a disability. 99.2% have health insurance coverage.
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