Median Income
$62,500
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,400
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$540
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
65% lower than US avg
How Grinnell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population376
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density767/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,500
Per Capita$35,911
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty4.3%
County GDP$224M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,400
Rent$540
Ownership93.5%
Zillow$143,411
Housing Units130
Rent Burden12.5%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property1,245/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking16.1%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain20.7 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation2,913 ft (888 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 90% / D 9%
Commute20 min
Broadband84.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Grinnell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grinnell receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grinnell is $123,400, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $540 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Grinnell is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,245 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Grinnell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.7 inches, including 25.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Grinnell has a population of 376 with a density of 767 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above 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 Grinnell is $62,500, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,911. The average weekly wage is $930, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 122 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,500 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,911 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $930 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,704 |
| Gini Index | 0.494 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.3% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 122 |
| County GDP | $224M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,025 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
The median home value in Grinnell is $123,400, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,411, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $540 (54% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 130 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $4,025. 12.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,400 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $143,411 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $540 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.5% |
| Housing Units | 130 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,025 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.26% |
In Grinnell, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 18.4% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 21.5% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,239. The dentist ratio is 1:2,425. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Grinnell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,239 |
| Dentists | 1:2,425 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 13,932/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Grinnell has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,245 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 143.6/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,244.6/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grinnell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 326 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 20.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 25.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 2,913 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,913 ft (888 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 767/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.1266°N, 100.6311°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sheridan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK) 75 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.7"
46% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
62 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
104 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
71 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
104 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
103 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Sep 14, 2016 |
10 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
92 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| May 24, 2023 |
12 km S of Alton, Kansas |
M3.2 |
147 km |
| Sep 19, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.2 |
92 km |
| Jul 5, 2019 |
Kansas |
M3.1 |
105 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km NNW of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
91 km |
| Aug 31, 2016 |
9 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.1 |
92 km |
| Apr 17, 2003 |
4 km WNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
100 km |
| Jan 7, 1999 |
5 km WNW of Liebenthal, Kansas |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| Aug 11, 2019 |
4 km E of Catharine, Kansas |
M3.0 |
129 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
2 km SW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
102 km |
| Nov 1, 2002 |
9 km SSW of Natoma, Kansas |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| May 11, 2019 |
5 km NNW of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.0 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
621 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 128 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
66 km |
5 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1990 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1982 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1972 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1970 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1969 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1968 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1965 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1960 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GOVE EAST (1,849 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
GOVE EAST |
1,849 |
39 km |
| 2021 |
NORTH LAKE |
1,530 |
78 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,417 |
38 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
99 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
67 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Grinnell has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grinnell
What is the population of Grinnell?
Grinnell has a population of 376 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 767 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Grinnell expensive to live in?
Grinnell is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,500, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,400 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $540 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grinnell safe?
Grinnell is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,245 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 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.7 inches, with 25.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Grinnell?
The job market in Grinnell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $930. There are 122 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 10.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grinnell?
The median home value in Grinnell is $123,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $143,411. For renters, the median monthly rent is $540. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 93.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,025.
How are the schools in Grinnell?
Schools in Grinnell score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Grinnell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grinnell?
The obesity rate in Grinnell is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 59.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,239.
What is transportation like in Grinnell?
The average commute in Grinnell is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grinnell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grinnell is 96.3% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 99.7% have health insurance coverage.