Median Income
$57,353
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$114,600
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
217/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.8%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$589
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.6%
34% higher than US avg
How Emmetsburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,651
Median Age45.0 yrs
Density963/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,353
Per Capita$33,900
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty16.6%
County GDP$796M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$114,600
Rent$589
Ownership69.9%
Zillow$164,973
Housing Units1,866
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent217/100K
Property867/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault217/100K
Burglary433/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking17.8%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,225 ft (373 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.8%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute14 min
Broadband83.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Emmetsburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Emmetsburg receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Emmetsburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Emmetsburg is $57,353, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. The poverty rate of 16.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Emmetsburg is $114,600, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $589 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Emmetsburg is below the national average at 217 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 867 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
16.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Emmetsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.6 inches, including 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Emmetsburg has a population of 3,651 with a density of 963 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age is 45.0 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.0yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Emmetsburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Emmetsburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Emmetsburg is $57,353, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,900 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $912, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 336 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Emmetsburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,353 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,900 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $912 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,314 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.6% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 336 |
| County GDP | $796M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,525 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.3% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Emmetsburg is $114,600, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,973, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $589 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,866 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $3,525. 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $114,600 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,973 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $589 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,866 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,525 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.08% |
In Emmetsburg, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.4% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,227. The dentist ratio is 1:4,382. 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Emmetsburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,227 |
| Dentists | 1:4,382 |
| Mental Health | 1:801 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,822/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Emmetsburg has a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 216.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 867 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 406, burglary at 433, vehicle theft at 27 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Emmetsburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Emmetsburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 216.7/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 216.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 867.0/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Burglary | 433.5/100K |
| Theft | 406.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 27.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Emmetsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.6 inches. The area receives 37.1 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 1,225 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.3°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,225 ft (373 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 963/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1148°N, 94.6796°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Palo Alto County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.6"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0475 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
47 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
566 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 355 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
91 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
54 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
38 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
21 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Emmetsburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Emmetsburg. 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 | $644 |
| Toddler | $555 |
| Preschool | $555 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $435 |
| Toddler | $428 |
| Preschool | $428 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Emmetsburg
What is the population of Emmetsburg?
Emmetsburg has a population of 3,651 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 963 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Emmetsburg expensive to live in?
Emmetsburg 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 $57,353, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $114,600 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $589 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Emmetsburg safe?
Emmetsburg is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 867 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Emmetsburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Emmetsburg?
Emmetsburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.6 inches, with 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Emmetsburg?
The job market in Emmetsburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $912. There are 336 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Emmetsburg?
The median home value in Emmetsburg is $114,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,973. For renters, the median monthly rent is $589. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,525.
How are the schools in Emmetsburg?
Schools in Emmetsburg score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.8% of adults in Emmetsburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Emmetsburg?
The obesity rate in Emmetsburg is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,227.
What is transportation like in Emmetsburg?
The average commute in Emmetsburg is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.3% of workers drive alone to work, 1% use public transit, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Emmetsburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Emmetsburg is 96.6% White. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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