Median Income
$64,432
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$150,000
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
209/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.2%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$869
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.0%
60% lower than US avg
How Fertile Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population272
Median Age59.3 yrs
Density289/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans13.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,432
Per Capita$40,042
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty5.0%
County GDP$485M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$150,000
Rent$869
Ownership89.8%
Zillow$184,538
Housing Units193
Rent Burden16.9%
Crime
F
Violent209/100K
Property3,323/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking13.6%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,169 ft (356 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.2%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute25 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations4
Libraries7
Is Fertile a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fertile receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 high obesity rates. Fertile offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fertile is $64,432, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fertile is $150,000, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $869 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fertile is below the national average at 209 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,323 per 100,000, 70% above the national average.
Education
16.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Fertile experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°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 36.3 inches, including 44.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Fertile has a population of 272 with a density of 289 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 59.3 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (99.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.3yrs
Median Age
52% above 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 Fertile is $64,432, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,042. The average weekly wage is $893, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 233 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 10.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,432 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,042 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $893 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,143 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.0% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 233 |
| County GDP | $485M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,689 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.6% |
The median home value in Fertile is $150,000, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,538, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $869 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 193 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $2,689 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 16.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $150,000 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $184,538 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $56 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $869 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.2% |
| Housing Units | 193 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,689 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.79% |
In Fertile, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.0% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,385. The dentist ratio is 1:7,319. 58.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fertile vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,385 |
| Dentists | 1:7,319 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 71.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,737/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Fertile has a violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,323 per 100,000, 70% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fertile receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fertile vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 208.5/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,323.3/100K |
| 70% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fertile experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°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 36.3 inches. The area receives 44.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,169 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.6°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,169 ft (356 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 289/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2623°N, 93.4232°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Worth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| 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 |
113 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
585 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 53 fatalities, 978 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
91 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
60 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
55 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
60 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
34 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
85 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Fertile has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Fertile. 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 | $681 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $440 |
| Preschool | $440 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertile
What is the population of Fertile?
Fertile has a population of 272 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 289 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Fertile expensive to live in?
Fertile 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 $64,432, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $150,000 (47% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $869 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fertile safe?
Fertile is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,323 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fertile receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fertile?
Fertile has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°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 36.3 inches, with 44.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Fertile?
The job market in Fertile is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $893. There are 233 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 10.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fertile?
The median home value in Fertile is $150,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $184,538. For renters, the median monthly rent is $869. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,689.
How are the schools in Fertile?
Schools in Fertile score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.2% of adults in Fertile hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fertile?
The obesity rate in Fertile is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 58.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,385.
What is transportation like in Fertile?
The average commute in Fertile is 25 minutes. 78.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fertile?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fertile is 99.3% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.1% of the population are military veterans. 20.1% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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