Median Income
$74,375
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,400
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
108/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.6%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$753
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Gowrie Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population894
Median Age43.8 yrs
Density621/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$74,375
Per Capita$40,148
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$2,759M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,400
Rent$753
Ownership82.7%
Zillow$169,061
Housing Units465
Rent Burden14.8%
Crime
F
Violent108/100K
Property539/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured3.2%
Smoking15.7%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Elevation1,135 ft (346 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.6%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score4.82
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute32 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Gowrie a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gowrie receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Gowrie offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gowrie is $74,375, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gowrie is $98,400, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $753 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Gowrie is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 539 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
28.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Gowrie experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches, including 32.1 inches of snow.
Gowrie has a population of 894 with a density of 621 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 43.8 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (87.6%), with 7.4% Hispanic, 1.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
894
Total Population
2023 Census
43.8yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Gowrie is $74,375, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,148. The average weekly wage is $1,091, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,198 business establishments, including 82 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,375 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,148 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,091 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,898 |
| Gini Index | 0.438 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,198 |
| County GDP | $2,759M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 82 |
| Healthcare | 126 |
| Retail | 140 |
| Manufacturing | 40 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,372 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Gowrie is $98,400, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,061, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $753 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 465 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $5,372 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,400 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,061 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $753 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.3% |
| Housing Units | 465 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,372 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.46% |
In Gowrie, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 23.7% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 3.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322. The dentist ratio is 1:1,221. 83.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gowrie vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| Uninsured | 3.2% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,322 |
| Dentists | 1:1,221 |
| Mental Health | 1:297 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,249/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 126 |
Gowrie has a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 539 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gowrie receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gowrie vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 107.8/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 538.8/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gowrie experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. The area receives 32.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,135 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,135 ft (346 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 621/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2779°N, 94.2897°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Webster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.04"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
90 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
664 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 501 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
78 km |
6 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
47 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
82 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
15 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
35 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Gowrie has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Gowrie. 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 | $674 |
| Toddler | $581 |
| Preschool | $581 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gowrie
What is the population of Gowrie?
Gowrie has a population of 894 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 621 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Gowrie expensive to live in?
Gowrie 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 $74,375, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,400 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $753 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gowrie safe?
Gowrie is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 539 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gowrie receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gowrie?
Gowrie has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches, with 32.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Gowrie?
The unemployment rate in Gowrie is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,091. There are 1,198 business establishments in the area, including 82 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gowrie?
The median home value in Gowrie is $98,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,061. For renters, the median monthly rent is $753. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,372.
How are the schools in Gowrie?
Schools in Gowrie have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 28.6% of adults in Gowrie hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gowrie?
The obesity rate in Gowrie is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 3.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322.
What is transportation like in Gowrie?
The average commute in Gowrie is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gowrie?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gowrie is 87.6% White, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Asian. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.