Median Income
$104,464
39% higher than US avg
Home Value
$248,400
12% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
387/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.9%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$779
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.2%
98% lower than US avg
How Earlham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,406
Median Age43.9 yrs
Density1,480/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$104,464
Per Capita$39,300
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty0.2%
County GDP$684M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$248,400
Rent$779
Ownership80.2%
Zillow$357,595
Housing Units559
Rent Burden22.3%
Crime
F
Violent387/100K
Property2,202/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured6.0%
Smoking13.5%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,098 ft (335 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.9%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute27 min
Broadband90.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Earlham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Earlham receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Earlham offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Earlham is $104,464, which is significantly higher than the national average / 39% above $75,149. This places Earlham among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 0.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Earlham is $248,400, 12% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $779 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 387 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,202 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
28.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Earlham experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches, including 30.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Earlham has a population of 1,406 with a density of 1,480 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 43.9 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 2.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.9yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Earlham is $104,464, which is 39% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,300. The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 566 business establishments, including 24 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. 17.7% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $104,464 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,300 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,906 |
| Gini Index | 0.370 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.2% |
| 98% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 566 |
| County GDP | $684M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,857 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.7% |
The median home value in Earlham is $248,400, 12% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $357,595, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $779 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 559 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $5,857 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.3% 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 | $248,400 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $357,595 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $779 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.8% |
| Housing Units | 559 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,857 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.36% |
In Earlham, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.4% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,864. The dentist ratio is 1:2,839. 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Earlham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.0% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,864 |
| Dentists | 1:2,839 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,414 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 71.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,015/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Earlham has a violent crime rate of 387 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,202 per 100,000, 12% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Earlham receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Earlham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 387.1/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,201.8/100K |
| 12% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 87 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Earlham experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°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 34.8 inches. The area receives 30.7 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 1,098 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,098 ft (335 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,480/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4944°N, 94.1223°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.8"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| 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: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 11, 1995.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
703 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 25 fatalities, 371 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
48 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
95 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
30 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
49 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Earlham has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Earlham. 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 | $730 |
| Toddler | $629 |
| Preschool | $629 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $492 |
| Toddler | $484 |
| Preschool | $484 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Earlham
What is the population of Earlham?
Earlham has a population of 1,406 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,480 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Earlham expensive to live in?
Earlham 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 $104,464, 39% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $248,400 (12% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $779 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 Earlham safe?
The violent crime rate in Earlham is 387 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 2,202 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Earlham receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Earlham?
Earlham has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.8 inches, with 30.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Earlham?
The job market in Earlham is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 566 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 17.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Earlham?
The median home value in Earlham is $248,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $357,595. For renters, the median monthly rent is $779. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,857.
How are the schools in Earlham?
Schools in Earlham score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.9% of adults in Earlham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Earlham?
The obesity rate in Earlham is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 6.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,864.
What is transportation like in Earlham?
The average commute in Earlham is 27 minutes. 75.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Earlham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Earlham is 94.7% White, 2.6% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability. 99.6% have health insurance coverage.
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