Median Income
$61,786
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,300
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
255/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.0%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$851
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How Elkader Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,249
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density912/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans11.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,786
Per Capita$34,202
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty2.8%
County GDP$1,177M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,300
Rent$851
Ownership68.7%
Zillow$162,095
Housing Units692
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent255/100K
Property1,806/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking17.6%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation815 ft (248 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.0%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score5.52
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute17 min
Broadband81.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Elkader a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elkader receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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 high obesity rates. Elkader offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elkader is $61,786, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elkader is $134,300, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $851 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Elkader is below the national average at 255 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,806 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Elkader experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches, including 35.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Elkader has a population of 1,249 with a density of 912 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.2% female and 46.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 11.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
The median household income in Elkader is $61,786, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,202 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $987, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 614 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,786 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,202 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $987 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,538 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 614 |
| County GDP | $1,177M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 88 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,527 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
The median home value in Elkader is $134,300, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,095, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $851 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 692 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $3,527. 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,300 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,095 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $851 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.3% |
| Housing Units | 692 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,527 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In Elkader, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.3% report binge drinking. 26.4% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,428. The dentist ratio is 1:2,128. 61.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elkader vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,428 |
| Dentists | 1:2,128 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,242 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 61.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,442/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Elkader has a violent crime rate of 255 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,806 per 100,000, 8% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Elkader receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elkader vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 255.2/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,805.7/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elkader experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches. The area receives 35.6 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 815 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 815 ft (248 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 912/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8574°N, 91.4028°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clayton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
503 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 10 fatalities, 375 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
48 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
10 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Elkader has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Elkader. 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 | $692 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elkader
What is the population of Elkader?
Elkader has a population of 1,249 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 912 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.2% female and 46.8% male.
Is Elkader expensive to live in?
Elkader 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 $61,786, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,300 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $851 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elkader safe?
Elkader is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 255 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,806 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Elkader receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elkader?
Elkader has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.8 inches, with 35.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Elkader?
The job market in Elkader is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $987. There are 614 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 9.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elkader?
The median home value in Elkader is $134,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,095. For renters, the median monthly rent is $851. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,527.
How are the schools in Elkader?
Schools in Elkader score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.0% of adults in Elkader hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elkader?
The obesity rate in Elkader is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 26.4% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 61.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,428.
What is transportation like in Elkader?
The average commute in Elkader is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elkader?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elkader is 95% White. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 11.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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