Iowa
Elkader is a small town in Iowa with a population of 1,249. Residents earn $61,786 per year, which is 18% below the national average.
Based on current data, Elkader receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Elkader stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
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.
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.
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 5.7/10.
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. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches, including 35.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 95.6% |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 4.4% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $61,786 |
| 18% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $34,202 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $987 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,538 |
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 614 |
| County GDP | $1,177M |
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 88 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,527 |
| 1% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
| Census Median | $134,300 |
| 52% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,095 |
| Census Median Rent | $851 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.7% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,527 |
| 1% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.4% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,442/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 38.8 inches |
| 2% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 35.6 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 815 ft (248 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 912/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8574°N, 91.4028°W |
| County FIPS | 19043 |
Winner: Republican by 34.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 26.0% |
| 23% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 95.0% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 8 | Nonmetro — Rural, adjacent |
| Population Density | 912/sq mi |
| Total Area | 1.4 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 1 |
| Public Libraries | 9 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Retail Stores | 88 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 16.6 min |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |