Median Income
$76,083
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$83,500
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
471/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.5%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$588
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.1%
125% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
62% lower than US avg
How Early Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population757
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density1,941/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans14.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$76,083
Per Capita$35,930
Unemployment8.1%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$794M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$83,500
Rent$588
Ownership69.0%
Zillow$142,224
Housing Units369
Rent Burden13.0%
Crime
F
Violent471/100K
Property2,006/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.6%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,338 ft (408 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.68
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute20 min
Broadband76.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Early a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Early receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Early has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Early is $76,083, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 8.1%, unemployment is notably high. Only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Early is $83,500, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $588 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,006 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Early experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°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 33.6 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Early has a population of 757 with a density of 1,941 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 39.0 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.2% female and 61.8% male. The city is predominantly White (88.6%), with 3.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 14.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.0yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Early is $76,083, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,930. The average weekly wage is $971, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 392 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,083 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,930 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $971 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,693 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.1% |
| 125% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.7% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 392 |
| County GDP | $794M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 51 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,713 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Early is $83,500, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,224, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $588 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 369 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,713. 13.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $83,500 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,224 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $588 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.0% |
| Housing Units | 369 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,713 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.45% |
In Early, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.6% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,625. The dentist ratio is 1:3,224. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Early vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,625 |
| Dentists | 1:3,224 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,384 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,910/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Early has a violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,006 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Early receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Early vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 471.4/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,005.7/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Early experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°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 33.6 inches. The area receives 34.5 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 1,338 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,338 ft (408 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,941/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4611°N, 95.1524°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sac County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.6"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.3 / 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 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 |
41 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
573 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 133 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
49 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Early has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Early. 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 | $663 |
| Toddler | $572 |
| Preschool | $572 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $436 |
| Toddler | $429 |
| Preschool | $429 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Early
What is the population of Early?
Early has a population of 757 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,941 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.0 years. The population is 38.2% female and 61.8% male.
Is Early expensive to live in?
Early 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 $76,083, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $83,500 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $588 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Early safe?
The violent crime rate in Early is 471 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 2,006 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Early receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Early?
Early has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 33.6 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Early?
The job market in Early faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $971. There are 392 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Early?
The median home value in Early is $83,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,224. For renters, the median monthly rent is $588. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,713.
How are the schools in Early?
Schools in Early score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.5% of adults in Early hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Early?
The obesity rate in Early is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 61.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,625.
What is transportation like in Early?
The average commute in Early is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Early?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Early is 88.6% White, 3.6% Black or African American. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 14.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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