Median Income
$57,125
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$51,700
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
98/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.4%
84% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Gray Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population70
Median Age33.0 yrs
Density70/mi²
Male / Female69% / 31%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans37.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,125
Per Capita$23,050
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$473M
Housing
A+
Home Value$51,700
Ownership82.6%
Zillow$215,901
Housing Units38
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent98/100K
Property1,562/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Smoking14.8%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,362 ft (415 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.93
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Broadband23.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Gray a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gray receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Gray has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gray is $57,125, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gray is $51,700, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Gray is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,562 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Gray experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Gray has a population of 70 with a density of 70 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 33.0 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 31.4% female and 68.6% male. The city is predominantly White (87.1%), with 8.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 37.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.0yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Gray is $57,125, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,050 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $973, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 239 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 34.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,125 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,050 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $973 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,458 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 239 |
| County GDP | $473M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,471 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 43.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 34.8% |
The median home value in Gray is $51,700, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,901, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 38 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,471. 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $51,700 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $215,901 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.4% |
| Housing Units | 38 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,471 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.71% |
In Gray, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,878. The dentist ratio is 1:2,799. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gray vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,878 |
| Dentists | 1:2,799 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,534 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 71.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,136/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Gray has a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,562 per 100,000, 20% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gray receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gray vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 97.6/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,561.7/100K |
| 20% below 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 |
Gray experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,362 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,362 ft (415 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 70/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8417°N, 94.9859°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Audubon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.0"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
596 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 341 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
50 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
94 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
53 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
68 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
87 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) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Gray has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Gray. 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 | $689 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $594 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $453 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gray
What is the population of Gray?
Gray has a population of 70 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 70 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 31.4% female and 68.6% male.
Is Gray expensive to live in?
Gray 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 $57,125, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $51,700 (82% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gray safe?
Gray is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,562 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gray receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gray?
Gray has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Gray?
The job market in Gray is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $973. There are 239 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Gray?
The median home value in Gray is $51,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,901. The homeownership rate is 82.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,471.
How are the schools in Gray?
Schools in Gray score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.4% of adults in Gray hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gray?
The obesity rate in Gray is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,878.
What are the demographics of Gray?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gray is 87.1% White, 8.6% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 37.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
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