Median Income
$46,932
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,200
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
98/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.8%
89% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$714
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
53% lower than US avg
How Dow City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population384
Median Age48.3 yrs
Density1,164/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,932
Per Capita$37,989
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty5.8%
County GDP$1,051M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,200
Rent$714
Ownership69.8%
Zillow$89,228
Housing Units210
Rent Burden24.3%
Crime
F
Violent98/100K
Property1,562/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking16.8%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,148 ft (350 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.8%
High School+92.7%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score6.35
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute16 min
Broadband93.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Dow City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dow City receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Dow City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Dow City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,562 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
3.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
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. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dow City has a population of 384 with a density of 1,164 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 48.3 years, 24% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.6% female and 54.4% male. The city is predominantly White (84.1%), with 8.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.3yrs
Median Age
24% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
The median household income in Dow City is $46,932, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,989. The average weekly wage is $982, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 444 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 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 | $46,932 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,989 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,398 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.8% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 444 |
| County GDP | $1,051M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Dow City is $130,200, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $89,228, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $714 (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. 69.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 210 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,339 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,200 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $89,228 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $714 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.2% |
| Housing Units | 210 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.33% |
In Dow City, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 26.7% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,962. The dentist ratio is 1:1,664. 51.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dow City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.7% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,962 |
| Dentists | 1:1,664 |
| Mental Health | 1:656 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,814/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Dow City has a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,562 per 100,000, 20% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Dow City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dow City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 97.6/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,561.7/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dow City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°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 34.3 inches. The area receives 30.5 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 1,148 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,148 ft (350 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,164/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9275°N, 95.4944°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Shelby County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| 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
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
541 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 452 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
85 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
54 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Dow City has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Dow City. 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 | $710 |
| Toddler | $612 |
| Preschool | $612 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $479 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dow City
What is the population of Dow City?
Dow City has a population of 384 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,164 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.6% female and 54.4% male.
Is Dow City expensive to live in?
Dow City 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 $46,932, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,200 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $714 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dow City safe?
Dow City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,562 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Dow City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dow City?
Dow City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches, with 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dow City?
The job market in Dow City is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $982. There are 444 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dow City?
The median home value in Dow City is $130,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $89,228. For renters, the median monthly rent is $714. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,339.
How are the schools in Dow City?
Schools in Dow City score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.8% of adults in Dow City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.7% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dow City?
The obesity rate in Dow City is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 26.7% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 51.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,962.
What is transportation like in Dow City?
The average commute in Dow City is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dow City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dow City is 84.1% White, 8.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
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