Median Income
$104,497
39% higher than US avg
Home Value
$281,000
0% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
198/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
47.6%
41% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,156
1% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How Grimes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15,810
Median Age34.3 yrs
Density1,206/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans5.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$104,497
Per Capita$44,841
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$63,823M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$281,000
Rent$1,156
Ownership70.0%
Zillow$346,961
Housing Units5,773
Rent Burden22.2%
Crime
F
Violent198/100K
Property1,646/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking11.3%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation993 ft (303 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+47.6%
High School+99.2%
Graduate+15.4%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute19 min
Broadband87.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries19
Is Grimes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grimes receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Grimes offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grimes is $104,497, which is significantly higher than the national average / 39% above $75,149. This places Grimes among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grimes is $281,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,156 per month. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Grimes is below the national average at 198 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,646 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 47.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Grimes experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.2 inches, including 38.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Grimes has a population of 15,810 with a density of 1,206 people per square mile, spread across 11.8 square miles. The median age is 34.3 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (87.9%), with 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.5% of residents, while 9.5% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are veterans. 8.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.3yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.5%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.5%
29% below US avg
The median household income in Grimes is $104,497, which is 39% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,841 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,395. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 20,581 business establishments, including 1,227 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 24.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $104,497 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,841 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,395 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,610 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 20,581 |
| County GDP | $63,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,227 |
| Healthcare | 1,513 |
| Retail | 1,606 |
| Manufacturing | 341 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 24.5% |
The median home value in Grimes is $281,000, 0% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $346,961, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.3% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,156 (1% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,773 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2006. The average annual property tax is $6,943 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $281,000 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $346,961 |
| Median List Price | $436,250 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $436,250 |
| $/Sq Ft | $270 |
| Homes Sold | 17 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.3% |
| Price Drops | 19.4% |
| Inventory | 67 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,156 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,402 |
| Rent Burden | 22.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.0% |
| Housing Units | 5,773 |
| Median Year Built | 2006 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.47% |
In Grimes, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 11.3% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 19.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.2% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073. The dentist ratio is 1:1,259. 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
6.2
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
6.7
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
3.0
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.8
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
138.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Grimes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.3% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.7% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,073 |
| Dentists | 1:1,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:285 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 70.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,653/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,513 |
Grimes has a violent crime rate of 198 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,646 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Grimes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Grimes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 198.4/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,646.4/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 150 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grimes experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 36.2 inches. The area receives 38.0 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 993 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 993 ft (303 m) |
| Area | 11.8 sq mi (30.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,206/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6778°N, 93.8023°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM) 13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.2"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0449 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.2 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
710 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 398 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
79 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
60 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
16 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
81 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 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Grimes has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Grimes. 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 | $768 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $662 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $507 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grimes
What is the population of Grimes?
Grimes has a population of 15,810 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,206 people per square mile, spread across 11.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Grimes expensive to live in?
Grimes 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 $104,497, 39% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $281,000 (0% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,156 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grimes safe?
Grimes is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 198 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,646 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Grimes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grimes?
Grimes has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.2 inches, with 38.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Grimes?
Grimes has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,395. There are 20,581 business establishments in the area, including 1,227 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 24.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grimes?
The median home value in Grimes is $281,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $346,961. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,156. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,943.
How are the schools in Grimes?
Schools in Grimes score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 47.6% of adults in Grimes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.2% have completed high school. 15.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grimes?
The obesity rate in Grimes is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.3% of adults are smokers. 19.7% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073.
What is transportation like in Grimes?
The average commute in Grimes is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 24.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grimes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grimes is 87.9% White, 2.3% Black or African American. 90.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.5% speak Spanish. 5.1% of the population are military veterans. 8.3% of residents have a disability. 93.5% have health insurance coverage.