Median Income
$73,021
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,000
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
29/100K
92% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$931
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Ellsworth Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population525
Median Age31.7 yrs
Density597/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,021
Per Capita$29,803
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$1,116M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,000
Rent$931
Ownership78.9%
Zillow$205,353
Housing Units224
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent29/100K
Property845/100K
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking14.0%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,077 ft (328 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute24 min
Broadband93.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Ellsworth a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ellsworth receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Ellsworth offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ellsworth is $73,021, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ellsworth is $125,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $931 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ellsworth is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 29 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 845 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ellsworth experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 32.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ellsworth has a population of 525 with a density of 597 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 31.7 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.7yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ellsworth vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ellsworth vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ellsworth is $73,021, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,803 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,018, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 487 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 24 minutes. 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ellsworth vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,021 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,803 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,018 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,752 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 487 |
| County GDP | $1,116M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,538 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Ellsworth is $125,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,353, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $931 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 224 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,538 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $205,353 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $931 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.1% |
| Housing Units | 224 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,538 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.63% |
In Ellsworth, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 21.1% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,722. The dentist ratio is 1:2,964. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ellsworth vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,722 |
| Dentists | 1:2,964 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,227 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 71.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,954/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Ellsworth has a violent crime rate of 29 per 100,000 residents, 92% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 845 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ellsworth receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ellsworth vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 29.1/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 844.5/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 132 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ellsworth experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches. The area receives 32.9 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 1,077 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,077 ft (328 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 597/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3102°N, 93.5819°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hamilton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.08"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 42.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
719 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 45 fatalities, 1,127 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
64 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
64 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
55 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Ellsworth has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Ellsworth. 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 | $696 |
| Toddler | $600 |
| Preschool | $600 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $462 |
| Preschool | $462 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellsworth
What is the population of Ellsworth?
Ellsworth has a population of 525 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 597 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Ellsworth expensive to live in?
Ellsworth 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 $73,021, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,000 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $931 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ellsworth safe?
Ellsworth is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 29 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 845 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ellsworth receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ellsworth?
Ellsworth has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches, with 32.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ellsworth?
The job market in Ellsworth is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,018. There are 487 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ellsworth?
The median home value in Ellsworth is $125,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,353. For renters, the median monthly rent is $931. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,538.
How are the schools in Ellsworth?
Schools in Ellsworth score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Ellsworth hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ellsworth?
The obesity rate in Ellsworth is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,722.
What is transportation like in Ellsworth?
The average commute in Ellsworth is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ellsworth?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ellsworth is 91.6% White. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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