Median Income
$54,624
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,300
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
172/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.2%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$739
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.4%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Estherville Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,865
Median Age40.5 yrs
Density1,088/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans3.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,624
Per Capita$30,071
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$519M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,300
Rent$739
Ownership71.6%
Zillow$127,969
Housing Units2,701
Rent Burden22.6%
Crime
F
Violent172/100K
Property310/100K
Health
Obesity44.4%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking18.4%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain29.3 in/yr
Elevation1,299 ft (396 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.2%
High School+83.1%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute22 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Estherville a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Estherville 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, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Estherville offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Estherville is $54,624, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Estherville is $96,300, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Estherville is below the national average at 172 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 310 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
13.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Estherville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches, including 41.5 inches of snow.
Estherville has a population of 5,865 with a density of 1,088 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age is 40.5 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (86.3%), with 13.5% Hispanic, 2.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.6% of residents, while 10.2% speak Spanish. 3.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
5,865
Total Population
2023 Census
40.5yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Estherville vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.6%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.2%
24% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Estherville vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Estherville is $54,624, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,071 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 330 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Estherville vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,624 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,071 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,021 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 330 |
| County GDP | $519M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Estherville is $96,300, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,969, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $739 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,701 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $3,190. 22.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,300 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $127,969 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $739 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,701 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.31% |
In Estherville, 44.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 18.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.0% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 21.5% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553. The dentist ratio is 1:2,294. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Estherville vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.4% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.4% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,553 |
| Dentists | 1:2,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:385 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 61.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,705/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Estherville has a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 310 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Estherville receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Estherville vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 172.2/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 309.9/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Estherville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,299 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.6°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,299 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 5.3 sq mi (13.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,088/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3997°N, 94.8342°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
67 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.3"
23% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
110 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
68 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
552 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 207 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
88 km |
3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
50 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
25 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Estherville has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Estherville. 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 | $667 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $443 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Estherville
What is the population of Estherville?
Estherville has a population of 5,865 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,088 people per square mile, spread across 5.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.5 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Estherville expensive to live in?
Estherville 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 $54,624, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,300 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Estherville safe?
Estherville is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 310 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Estherville receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Estherville?
Estherville has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 29.3 inches, with 41.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Estherville?
The job market in Estherville is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 330 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Estherville?
The median home value in Estherville is $96,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $127,969. For renters, the median monthly rent is $739. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,190.
How are the schools in Estherville?
Schools in Estherville score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.2% of adults in Estherville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.1% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Estherville?
The obesity rate in Estherville is 44.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.4% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553.
What is transportation like in Estherville?
The average commute in Estherville is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Estherville?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Estherville is 86.3% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 13.5% Hispanic or Latino. 89.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.2% speak Spanish. 3.3% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 93.4% have health insurance coverage.