Iowa · Metropolitan Area
Emerson is a small town in Iowa with a population of 547. Residents earn $47,426 per year, which is 37% below the national average.
Based on current data, Emerson receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Emerson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Emerson is $47,426, 37% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
The median home value in Emerson is $113,600, 60% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
10.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Emerson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 27.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 99.0% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.0% |
| 93% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $47,426 |
| 37% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $30,238 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,059 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,250 |
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 12.1% |
| 2% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 458 |
| County GDP | $645M |
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,433 |
| 55% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.78% |
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
| Census Median | $113,600 |
| 60% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,018 |
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,433 |
| 55% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 4.78% |
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,695/100K |
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 37.2 inches |
| 2% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 27.4 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,067 ft (325 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,104/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0180°N, 95.4027°W |
| County FIPS | 19129 |
Winner: Republican by 39.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 10.5% |
| 69% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 84.1% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 2,104/sq mi |
| Total Area | 0.3 sq mi |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Retail Stores | 40 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| FEMA Disaster Declarations | 91 |
| Avg Commute | 26.5 min |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |