Median Income
$35,833
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$38,400
86% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
159/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$844
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.5%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.2%
26% lower than US avg
How Grand River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population189
Median Age46.1 yrs
Density995/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$35,833
Per Capita$25,708
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty9.2%
County GDP$278M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$38,400
Rent$844
Ownership70.4%
Zillow$186,353
Housing Units121
Rent Burden38.1%
Crime
F
Violent159/100K
Property1,746/100K
Health
Obesity42.5%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking18.7%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Sunny Days282/yr
Elevation1,019 ft (311 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score5.15
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute30 min
Broadband98.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Grand River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grand River receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Grand River has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grand River is $35,833, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 9.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grand River is $38,400, 86% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $844 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Grand River is below the national average at 159 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Grand River experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 282 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Grand River has a population of 189 with a density of 995 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 46.1 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.3% female and 40.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.1yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Grand River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Grand River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Grand River is $35,833, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,708 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $827, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 224 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 2.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Grand River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,833 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,708 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $827 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,793 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.2% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 224 |
| County GDP | $278M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,429 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 11.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.7% |
The median home value in Grand River is $38,400, 86% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $186,353, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $844 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 121 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,429 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $38,400 |
| 86% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $186,353 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $844 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.6% |
| Housing Units | 121 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,429 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 11.53% |
In Grand River, 42.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.4% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,537. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Grand River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.6% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 34.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,537 |
| Mental Health | 1:365 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,258/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Grand River has a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,746 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Grand River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Grand River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 158.7/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,745.7/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grand River experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 282 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,019 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 282 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,019 ft (311 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 995/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8190°N, 93.9631°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Decatur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
90 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
565 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 222 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
93 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
82 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
50 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
45 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 1994 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Grand River has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Grand River. 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 | $659 |
| Toddler | $568 |
| Preschool | $568 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $426 |
| Preschool | $426 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand River
What is the population of Grand River?
Grand River has a population of 189 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 995 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.3% female and 40.7% male.
Is Grand River expensive to live in?
Grand River 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 $35,833, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $38,400 (86% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $844 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grand River safe?
Grand River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Grand River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grand River?
Grand River has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 282 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Grand River?
The unemployment rate in Grand River is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $827. There are 224 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 2.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grand River?
The median home value in Grand River is $38,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $186,353. For renters, the median monthly rent is $844. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,429.
How are the schools in Grand River?
Schools in Grand River score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.8% of adults in Grand River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grand River?
The obesity rate in Grand River is 42.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,829.
What is transportation like in Grand River?
The average commute in Grand River is 30 minutes. 93.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grand River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grand River is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
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