Median Income
$73,250
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,000
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
580/100K
53% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.9%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$480
59% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Graettinger Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,038
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density1,384/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,250
Per Capita$27,408
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$519M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,000
Rent$480
Ownership78.1%
Zillow$154,036
Housing Units476
Rent Burden14.9%
Crime
F
Violent580/100K
Property1,134/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking16.4%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,248 ft (380 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.9%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute20 min
Broadband89.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Graettinger a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Graettinger receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Graettinger offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Graettinger is $73,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Graettinger is $87,000, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $480 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 580 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,134 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
13.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Graettinger 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.
Graettinger has a population of 1,038 with a density of 1,384 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (80.6%), with 10% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.3% of residents, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Graettinger vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.3%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.7%
43% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Graettinger vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Graettinger is $73,250, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,408 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.3% 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 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Graettinger vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,250 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,408 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,021 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% 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 | 3.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Graettinger is $87,000, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,036, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $480 (59% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 476 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,190. 14.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,000 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $154,036 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $480 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.9% |
| Housing Units | 476 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.67% |
In Graettinger, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.6% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Graettinger vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,553 |
| Dentists | 1:2,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:385 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,705/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Graettinger has a violent crime rate of 580 per 100,000 residents, 53% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,134 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Graettinger receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Graettinger vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 580.3/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,134.3/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Graettinger 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 1,248 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 | 1,248 ft (380 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,384/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2370°N, 94.7505°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
55 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.6"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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 |
122 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
54 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
555 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 200 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
41 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 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 |
15 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Graettinger has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Graettinger. 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 Graettinger
What is the population of Graettinger?
Graettinger has a population of 1,038 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,384 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Graettinger expensive to live in?
Graettinger 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 $73,250, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,000 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $480 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Graettinger safe?
The violent crime rate in Graettinger is 580 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,134 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Graettinger receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Graettinger?
Graettinger 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 Graettinger?
The job market in Graettinger is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / 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 20 minutes, and 1.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Graettinger?
The median home value in Graettinger is $87,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $154,036. For renters, the median monthly rent is $480. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,190.
How are the schools in Graettinger?
Schools in Graettinger score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.9% of adults in Graettinger hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Graettinger?
The obesity rate in Graettinger is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 7.2% 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 Graettinger?
The average commute in Graettinger is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Graettinger?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Graettinger is 80.6% White, 10% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 92.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 94.0% have health insurance coverage.
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