Median Income
$64,426
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$191,700
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
169/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.1%
22% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$876
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
65% lower than US avg
How Grinnell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,527
Median Age37.9 yrs
Density1,674/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,426
Per Capita$36,382
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty4.4%
County GDP$1,654M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$191,700
Rent$876
Ownership65.1%
Zillow$217,770
Housing Units3,976
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent169/100K
Property1,238/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured3.3%
Smoking15.8%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Elevation1,003 ft (306 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.1%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+19.5%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute14 min
Broadband84.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Grinnell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grinnell receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Grinnell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grinnell is $64,426, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grinnell is $191,700, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $876 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Grinnell is below the national average at 169 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,238 per 100,000, 37% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Grinnell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 31.0 inches of snow.
Grinnell has a population of 9,527 with a density of 1,674 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 37.9 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (87.9%), with 3.9% Hispanic, 2.3% Black, 3.9% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.6% of residents, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
9,527
Total Population
2023 Census
37.9yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.6%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.4%
45% below US avg
The median household income in Grinnell is $64,426, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,382. The average weekly wage is $1,108, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 699 business establishments, including 47 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.4% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,426 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,382 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,108 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,315 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.4% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 699 |
| County GDP | $1,654M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Healthcare | 62 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 58.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.4% |
The median home value in Grinnell is $191,700, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,770, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $876 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,976 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,683 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $191,700 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $217,770 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $876 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.9% |
| Housing Units | 3,976 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,683 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.44% |
In Grinnell, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 3.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162. The dentist ratio is 1:1,679. 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Grinnell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 3.3% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,162 |
| Dentists | 1:1,679 |
| Mental Health | 1:595 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,568/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 62 |
Grinnell has a violent crime rate of 169 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,238 per 100,000, 37% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Grinnell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Grinnell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 169.3/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,238.0/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 287 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grinnell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches. The area receives 31.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,003 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,003 ft (306 m) |
| Area | 5.6 sq mi (14.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,674/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7352°N, 92.7249°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Poweshiek County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.53"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
671 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 544 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
92 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (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 |
49 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
41 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
44 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Grinnell has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Grinnell. 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 | $699 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $472 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grinnell
What is the population of Grinnell?
Grinnell has a population of 9,527 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,674 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.9 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Grinnell expensive to live in?
Grinnell 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 $64,426, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $191,700 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $876 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grinnell safe?
Grinnell is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 169 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,238 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Grinnell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grinnell?
Grinnell has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 31.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Grinnell?
The unemployment rate in Grinnell is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,108. There are 699 business establishments in the area, including 47 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 13.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grinnell?
The median home value in Grinnell is $191,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $217,770. For renters, the median monthly rent is $876. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,683.
How are the schools in Grinnell?
Schools in Grinnell score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.1% of adults in Grinnell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 19.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grinnell?
The obesity rate in Grinnell is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 3.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,162.
What is transportation like in Grinnell?
The average commute in Grinnell is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 58.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grinnell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grinnell is 87.9% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 3.9% Asian. 92.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.