Median Income
$65,714
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$21,800
92% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
44.0%
31% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ellston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population33
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density132/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans25.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,714
Per Capita$50,567
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$234M
Housing
A+
Home Value$21,800
Ownership85.0%
Zillow$350,865
Housing Units24
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property1,872/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Smoking14.7%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,229 ft (375 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+44.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.06
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Broadband20.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Ellston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ellston receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Ellston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ellston is $65,714, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ellston is $21,800, 92% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ellston is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 44.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ellston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.0 inches, including 26.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ellston has a population of 33 with a density of 132 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.6% female and 39.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 25.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Ellston is $65,714, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $50,567 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $889, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 182 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,714 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $50,567 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $889 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,255 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 182 |
| County GDP | $234M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,583 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 30.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ellston is $21,800, 92% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $350,865, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 24 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,583 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $21,800 |
| 92% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $350,865 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.0% |
| Housing Units | 24 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,583 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 30.20% |
In Ellston, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 24.6% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:928. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ellston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:928 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,711/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Ellston has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,872 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ellston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ellston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 265.7/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,872.5/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ellston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 38.0 inches. The area receives 26.5 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 1,229 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.2°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,229 ft (375 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 132/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8401°N, 94.1084°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ringgold County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.0"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Jul 16, 2004.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
80 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
587 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 273 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
69 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
44 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
47 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Ellston has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Ellston. 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 | $684 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $589 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $449 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellston
What is the population of Ellston?
Ellston has a population of 33 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 132 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 60.6% female and 39.4% male.
Is Ellston expensive to live in?
Ellston 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 $65,714, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $21,800 (92% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ellston safe?
Ellston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ellston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ellston?
Ellston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.0 inches, with 26.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ellston?
The job market in Ellston is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $889. There are 182 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Ellston?
The median home value in Ellston is $21,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $350,865. The homeownership rate is 85.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,583.
How are the schools in Ellston?
Schools in Ellston score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 44.0% of adults in Ellston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ellston?
The obesity rate in Ellston is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:928.
What are the demographics of Ellston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ellston is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 25.0% of the population are military veterans. 27.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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