Median Income
$67,679
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,100
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
118/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.4%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$839
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.2%
10% lower than US avg
How Guthrie Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,603
Median Age36.0 yrs
Density674/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,679
Per Capita$33,118
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty11.2%
County GDP$753M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,100
Rent$839
Ownership75.8%
Zillow$198,547
Housing Units754
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent118/100K
Property1,346/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking15.4%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,131 ft (345 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.4%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score5.93
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute19 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Guthrie Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Guthrie Center 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. Guthrie Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Guthrie Center is $67,679, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. 11.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average 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 Guthrie Center is $117,100, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $839 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Guthrie Center is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
19.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Guthrie Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Guthrie Center has a population of 1,603 with a density of 674 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 36.0 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.0yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Guthrie Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Guthrie Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Guthrie Center is $67,679, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,118 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,041, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 395 business establishments, including 27 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). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Guthrie Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,679 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,118 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,854 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.2% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 395 |
| County GDP | $753M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,696 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Guthrie Center is $117,100, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,547, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $839 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 754 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $5,696 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,100 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,547 |
| Median List Price | $130,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $130,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $157 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.4% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $839 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.2% |
| Housing Units | 754 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,696 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.86% |
In Guthrie Center, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 21.1% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,522. The dentist ratio is 1:2,662. 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Guthrie Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,522 |
| Dentists | 1:2,662 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,574 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,483/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Guthrie Center has a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Guthrie Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Guthrie Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 118.0/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,345.6/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Guthrie Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,131 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,131 ft (345 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 674/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6779°N, 94.4992°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Guthrie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.9 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
146 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
702 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 287 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
30 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
94 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
55 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
73 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Guthrie Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Guthrie 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 | $711 |
| Toddler | $612 |
| Preschool | $612 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Guthrie Center
What is the population of Guthrie Center?
Guthrie Center has a population of 1,603 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 674 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Guthrie Center expensive to live in?
Guthrie 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 $67,679, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,100 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $839 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Guthrie Center safe?
Guthrie Center is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Guthrie Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Guthrie Center?
Guthrie Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Guthrie Center?
The job market in Guthrie Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,041. There are 395 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Guthrie Center?
The median home value in Guthrie Center is $117,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,547. For renters, the median monthly rent is $839. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,696.
How are the schools in Guthrie Center?
Schools in Guthrie Center score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.4% of adults in Guthrie Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Guthrie Center?
The obesity rate in Guthrie Center is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,522.
What is transportation like in Guthrie Center?
The average commute in Guthrie Center is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Guthrie Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Guthrie Center is 88.9% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.4% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
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