Median Income
$73,393
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$159,700
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.5%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$531
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
21% lower than US avg
How Glidden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,153
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density1,039/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,393
Per Capita$29,593
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty9.8%
County GDP$1,837M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$159,700
Rent$531
Ownership79.3%
Zillow$164,656
Housing Units444
Rent Burden25.9%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property941/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking15.1%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,227 ft (374 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.5%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute17 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Glidden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Glidden receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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. Glidden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Glidden is $73,393, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 9.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Glidden is $159,700, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $531 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Glidden is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 941 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
25.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Glidden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°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 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Glidden has a population of 1,153 with a density of 1,039 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Glidden is $73,393, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,593 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $974, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 968 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,393 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,593 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $974 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,620 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 968 |
| County GDP | $1,837M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 103 |
| Retail | 127 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,363 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Glidden is $159,700, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,656. Homes sell for 97.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $531 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 444 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $4,363 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $159,700 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $164,656 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $106 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.9% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $531 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.7% |
| Housing Units | 444 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,363 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.73% |
In Glidden, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,150. The dentist ratio is 1:1,371. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Glidden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,150 |
| Dentists | 1:1,371 |
| Mental Health | 1:641 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,828/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 103 |
Glidden has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 941 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Glidden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Glidden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 130.2/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 941.1/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Glidden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°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 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,227 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,227 ft (374 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,039/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0578°N, 94.7266°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carroll County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.7"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
91 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
642 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 10 fatalities, 305 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
68 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
65 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
99 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
25 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Glidden has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Glidden. 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 | $662 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $439 |
| Preschool | $439 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Glidden
What is the population of Glidden?
Glidden has a population of 1,153 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,039 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Glidden expensive to live in?
Glidden 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 $73,393, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $159,700 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $531 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Glidden safe?
Glidden is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 941 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Glidden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Glidden?
Glidden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Glidden?
The job market in Glidden is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $974. There are 968 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Glidden?
The median home value in Glidden is $159,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $164,656. For renters, the median monthly rent is $531. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,363.
How are the schools in Glidden?
Schools in Glidden score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.5% of adults in Glidden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Glidden?
The obesity rate in Glidden is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,150.
What is transportation like in Glidden?
The average commute in Glidden is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Glidden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Glidden is 93.9% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
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