Median Income
$77,540
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$173,200
39% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
552/100K
45% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.2%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$684
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Grundy Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,794
Median Age40.8 yrs
Density1,087/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans5.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$77,540
Per Capita$39,292
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$732M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,200
Rent$684
Ownership79.8%
Zillow$189,762
Housing Units1,150
Rent Burden25.4%
Crime
F
Violent552/100K
Property2,880/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking15.5%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,018 ft (310 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.2%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute23 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Grundy Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grundy Center receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Grundy Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grundy Center is $77,540, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grundy Center is $173,200, 39% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $684 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 552 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,880 per 100,000, 47% above the national average.
Education
24.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Grundy Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches, including 32.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Grundy Center has a population of 2,794 with a density of 1,087 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 40.8 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.4% female and 43.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.8yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Grundy Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Grundy Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Grundy Center is $77,540, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,292. The average weekly wage is $1,118, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 389 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Grundy Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,540 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,292 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,118 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,602 |
| Gini Index | 0.373 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 389 |
| County GDP | $732M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 39 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,000 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Grundy Center is $173,200, 39% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,762. Homes sell for 90.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $684 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,150 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,000. 25.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $173,200 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $189,762 |
| Median List Price | $269,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $269,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $162 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.8% |
| Price Drops | 37.5% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $684 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,150 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,000 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.31% |
In Grundy Center, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,116. The dentist ratio is 1:4,119. 83.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Grundy Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.5% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,116 |
| Dentists | 1:4,119 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,064 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 72.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,156/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 83.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Grundy Center has a violent crime rate of 552 per 100,000 residents, 45% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,880 per 100,000, 47% above the U.S. average. Overall, Grundy Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Grundy Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 551.7/100K |
| 45% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,880.4/100K |
| 47% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grundy Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.8 inches. The area receives 32.3 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 1,018 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,018 ft (310 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,087/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3637°N, 92.7740°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Grundy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.8"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 13.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.7 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
692 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 46 fatalities, 1,219 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
23 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
77 km |
5 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
53 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
87 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
99 km |
2 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
32 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
94 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 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
73 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Grundy Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Grundy Center. 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 | $700 |
| Toddler | $603 |
| Preschool | $603 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $460 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grundy Center
What is the population of Grundy Center?
Grundy Center has a population of 2,794 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,087 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.8 years. The population is 56.4% female and 43.6% male.
Is Grundy Center expensive to live in?
Grundy Center 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 $77,540, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,200 (39% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $684 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grundy Center safe?
The violent crime rate in Grundy Center is 552 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,880 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Grundy Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grundy Center?
Grundy Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.8 inches, with 32.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Grundy Center?
The job market in Grundy Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,118. There are 389 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grundy Center?
The median home value in Grundy Center is $173,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,762. For renters, the median monthly rent is $684. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,000.
How are the schools in Grundy Center?
Schools in Grundy Center score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.2% of adults in Grundy Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grundy Center?
The obesity rate in Grundy Center is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 23.5% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 83.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,116.
What is transportation like in Grundy Center?
The average commute in Grundy Center is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grundy Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grundy Center is 96% White. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.7% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
