Median Income
$52,188
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$94,600
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
94/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.4%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$655
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Grafton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population233
Median Age51.2 yrs
Density728/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,188
Per Capita$36,021
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$485M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$94,600
Rent$655
Ownership67.9%
Zillow$169,560
Housing Units124
Rent Burden19.0%
Crime
F
Violent94/100K
Property3,414/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking16.5%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,228 ft (374 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.4%
High School+87.2%
Graduate+6.4%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute23 min
Broadband70.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Grafton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grafton receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Grafton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grafton is $52,188, 31% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grafton is $94,600, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $655 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
Grafton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,414 per 100,000, 74% above the national average.
Education
14.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Grafton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches, including 40.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Grafton has a population of 233 with a density of 728 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 51.2 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.6% female and 61.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.2yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Grafton is $52,188, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,021. The average weekly wage is $893, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,188 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,021 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $893 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,143 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% 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 | 2.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.6% |
The median home value in Grafton is $94,600, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,560, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $655 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 124 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $2,689 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.0% 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 | $94,600 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,560 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $655 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.1% |
| Housing Units | 124 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,689 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.84% |
In Grafton, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% 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: Grafton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,385 |
| Dentists | 1:7,319 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 66.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,737/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Grafton has a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,414 per 100,000, 74% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Grafton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Grafton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 94.1/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,414.4/100K |
| 74% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grafton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. The area receives 40.2 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 1,228 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,228 ft (374 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 728/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3307°N, 93.0687°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Worth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
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
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
596 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 52 fatalities, 1,010 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
88 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
63 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
76 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
54 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
40 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
9 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
64 km |
6 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
56 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
66 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 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
33°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 (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Grafton has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 13°F in January to 70°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 33.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Grafton. 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 Grafton
What is the population of Grafton?
Grafton has a population of 233 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 728 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.6% female and 61.4% male.
Is Grafton expensive to live in?
Grafton 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 $52,188, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $94,600 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $655 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 Grafton safe?
Grafton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,414 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Grafton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grafton?
Grafton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches, with 40.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Grafton?
Grafton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average 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 23 minutes, and 11.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grafton?
The median home value in Grafton is $94,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,560. For renters, the median monthly rent is $655. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,689.
How are the schools in Grafton?
Schools in Grafton score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.4% of adults in Grafton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grafton?
The obesity rate in Grafton is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 6.7% 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 Grafton?
The average commute in Grafton is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grafton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grafton is 95.7% White, 0.9% Black or African American. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
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