Iowa
Dow City is a small town in Iowa with a population of 384. Residents earn $46,932 per year, which is 38% below the national average.
Based on current data, Dow City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Dow City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Dow City is $46,932, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Dow City is $130,200, 54% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $714 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
3.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Dow City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 96.0% |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 4.0% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $46,932 |
| 38% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $37,989 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,398 |
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 5.8% |
| 53% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 444 |
| County GDP | $1,051M |
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.33% |
| Commute Time | 15.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
| Census Median | $130,200 |
| 54% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $89,228 |
| Census Median Rent | $714 |
| 39% below US avg | |
| Rent Burden | 24.3% |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.33% |
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,814/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 34.3 inches |
| 10% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 30.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,148 ft (350 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,164/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9275°N, 95.4944°W |
| County FIPS | 19165 |
Winner: Republican by 43 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 3.8% |
| 89% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 92.7% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,164/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.3 sq mi |
| Broadband Access | 93.5% |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Retail Stores | 44 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 15.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |