Median Income
$52,292
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,000
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
118/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.4%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$857
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.0%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How Grand Junction Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population615
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density634/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,292
Per Capita$34,412
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$721M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,000
Rent$857
Ownership62.7%
Zillow$110,812
Housing Units283
Rent Burden22.8%
Crime
F
Violent118/100K
Property1,346/100K
Health
Obesity37.0%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking19.0%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,035 ft (315 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.4%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+0.7%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute28 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Grand Junction a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grand Junction receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Grand Junction has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grand Junction is $52,292, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grand Junction is $78,000, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $857 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Grand Junction is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
10.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Grand Junction experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches, including 31.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Grand Junction has a population of 615 with a density of 634 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%), with 5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Grand Junction vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Grand Junction vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Grand Junction is $52,292, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,412 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 310 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 0.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Grand Junction vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,292 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,412 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,253 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 310 |
| County GDP | $721M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,447 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |
The median home value in Grand Junction is $78,000, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $110,812, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $857 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 283 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $3,447. 22.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,000 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $110,812 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $857 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.3% |
| Housing Units | 283 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,447 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.42% |
In Grand Junction, 37.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.9% report binge drinking. 27.4% are physically inactive. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,453. The dentist ratio is 1:2,914. 63.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Grand Junction vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.0% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.4% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,453 |
| Dentists | 1:2,914 |
| Mental Health | 1:954 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,201/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Grand Junction has a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. Overall, Grand Junction receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Grand Junction vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 118.0/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,345.6/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grand Junction experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.3 inches. The area receives 31.7 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 1,035 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,035 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 634/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0330°N, 94.2370°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Greene County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.3"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very 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
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 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
704 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 28 fatalities, 515 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
32 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
98 km |
6 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
75 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
89 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
61 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Grand Junction has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Grand Junction. 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 | $692 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Junction
What is the population of Grand Junction?
Grand Junction has a population of 615 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 634 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Grand Junction expensive to live in?
Grand Junction 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 $52,292, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,000 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $857 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grand Junction safe?
Grand Junction is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Grand Junction receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grand Junction?
Grand Junction has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.3 inches, with 31.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Grand Junction?
The unemployment rate in Grand Junction is 5.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 310 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 0.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grand Junction?
The median home value in Grand Junction is $78,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $110,812. For renters, the median monthly rent is $857. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,447.
How are the schools in Grand Junction?
Schools in Grand Junction score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.4% of adults in Grand Junction hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 0.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grand Junction?
The obesity rate in Grand Junction is 37.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 27.4% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 63.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,453.
What is transportation like in Grand Junction?
The average commute in Grand Junction is 28 minutes. 89.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grand Junction?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grand Junction is 92.4% White, 5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
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