Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$56,200
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
96/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.2%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$658
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Dows Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population544
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density706/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans14.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$32,886
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,247M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$56,200
Rent$658
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$113,483
Housing Units233
Rent Burden14.3%
Crime
F
Violent96/100K
Property2,283/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking14.9%
Depression20.1%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,153 ft (351 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.2%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute29 min
Broadband77.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Dows a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dows receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Dows offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dows is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dows is $56,200, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $658 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Dows is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,283 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Dows experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°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 34.3 inches, including 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Dows has a population of 544 with a density of 706 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 14.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Dows is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,886 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,126, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 468 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,886 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,126 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,568 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 468 |
| County GDP | $1,247M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,919 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Dows is $56,200, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,483, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $658 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 233 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,919. 14.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $56,200 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $113,483 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $658 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 233 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,919 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.97% |
In Dows, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 20.1% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,557. The dentist ratio is 1:2,536. 86.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dows vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 20.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,557 |
| Dentists | 1:2,536 |
| Mental Health | 1:703 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,879/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Dows has a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,283 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Dows receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dows vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 95.9/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,283.2/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 42 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dows experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°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 34.3 inches. The area receives 31.1 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 1,153 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,153 ft (351 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 706/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6584°N, 93.5020°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wright County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
675 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 44 fatalities, 1,142 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
52 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
34 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
20 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 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 |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Dows has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Dows. 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 | $667 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $443 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dows
What is the population of Dows?
Dows has a population of 544 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 706 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Dows expensive to live in?
Dows 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 $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $56,200 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $658 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dows safe?
Dows is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,283 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dows receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dows?
Dows has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°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 34.3 inches, with 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Dows?
The job market in Dows is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,126. There are 468 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dows?
The median home value in Dows is $56,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,483. For renters, the median monthly rent is $658. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,919.
How are the schools in Dows?
Schools in Dows score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.2% of adults in Dows hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dows?
The obesity rate in Dows is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 20.1% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 86.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,557.
What is transportation like in Dows?
The average commute in Dows is 29 minutes. 87.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dows?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dows is 94.3% White. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 14.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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