Median Income
$52,813
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,600
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
290/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$650
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Eldon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population816
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density749/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,813
Per Capita$24,033
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty12.3%
County GDP$407M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,600
Rent$650
Ownership75.8%
Zillow$103,444
Housing Units374
Rent Burden32.3%
Crime
F
Violent290/100K
Property4,328/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.5%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation629 ft (192 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+0.4%
School Score5.55
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute26 min
Broadband75.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Eldon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Eldon receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Eldon has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Eldon is $52,813, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Eldon is $57,600, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $650 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
Violent crime in Eldon is below the national average at 290 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,328 per 100,000, 121% above the national average.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Eldon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 24.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Eldon has a population of 816 with a density of 749 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Eldon is $52,813, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,033 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $974, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 256 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,813 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,033 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $974 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,369 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 256 |
| County GDP | $407M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 31 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,575 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Eldon is $57,600, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,444, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $650 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 374 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $3,575. 32.3% 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 | $57,600 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $103,444 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $650 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.2% |
| Housing Units | 374 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,575 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.21% |
In Eldon, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,569. The dentist ratio is 1:4,565. 41.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Eldon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,569 |
| Dentists | 1:4,565 |
| Mental Health | 1:9,169 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,768/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Eldon has a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,328 per 100,000, 121% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Eldon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Eldon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.4/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,328.0/100K |
| 121% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Eldon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°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 39.1 inches. The area receives 24.2 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 629 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 629 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 749/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9180°N, 92.2182°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Davis County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
463 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 256 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
69 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
26 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
96 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Eldon has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Eldon. 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 | $724 |
| Toddler | $624 |
| Preschool | $624 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $476 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $468 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eldon
What is the population of Eldon?
Eldon has a population of 816 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 749 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Eldon expensive to live in?
Eldon 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 $52,813, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,600 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $650 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 Eldon safe?
Eldon is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,328 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Eldon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Eldon?
Eldon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 24.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Eldon?
Eldon has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $974. There are 256 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Eldon?
The median home value in Eldon is $57,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,444. For renters, the median monthly rent is $650. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,575.
How are the schools in Eldon?
Schools in Eldon score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.8% of adults in Eldon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 0.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Eldon?
The obesity rate in Eldon is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 41.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,569.
What is transportation like in Eldon?
The average commute in Eldon is 26 minutes. 71.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Eldon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Eldon is 93.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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