Median Income
$70,000
7% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
26/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.9%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Hamilton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population87
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density171/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans54.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,000
Per Capita$26,483
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$619M
Commute36 min
Housing
Ownership94.4%
Zillow$145,161
Housing Units39
Rent Burden33.7%
Crime
F
Violent26/100K
Property1,000/100K
Health
Obesity41.9%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking17.8%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation911 ft (278 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute36 min
Broadband36.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Hamilton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hamilton receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include long commute times, high obesity rates. Hamilton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hamilton is $70,000, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Hamilton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 26 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,000 per 100,000, 49% below the national average.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Hamilton 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 36.5 inches, including 30.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Hamilton has a population of 87 with a density of 171 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46% female and 54% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%), with 4.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 54.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below 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 Hamilton is $70,000, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,483 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,282. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 254 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,000 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,483 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,282 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,506 |
| Gini Index | 0.398 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 254 |
| County GDP | $619M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,571 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 97.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,161. Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $994 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 39 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $3,571. 33.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $994 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,192 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,316 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.6% |
| Housing Units | 39 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,571 |
| 2% above US avg |
In Hamilton, 41.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.4% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,902. The dentist ratio is 1:2,517. 69.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hamilton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.9% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,902 |
| Dentists | 1:2,517 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,501 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 67.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,727/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Hamilton has a violent crime rate of 26 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,000 per 100,000, 49% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hamilton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hamilton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 26.3/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,000.0/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hamilton 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 36.5 inches. The area receives 30.0 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 911 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.0°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 911 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 171/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1705°N, 92.9041°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Monroe County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
528 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 315 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
92 km |
6 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
77 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 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Hamilton has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Hamilton. 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 | $671 |
| Toddler | $578 |
| Preschool | $578 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $453 |
| Toddler | $446 |
| Preschool | $446 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamilton
What is the population of Hamilton?
Hamilton has a population of 87 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 171 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46% female and 54% male.
Is Hamilton expensive to live in?
Hamilton 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 $70,000, 7% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Hamilton safe?
Hamilton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 26 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,000 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hamilton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hamilton?
Hamilton 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 36.5 inches, with 30.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Hamilton?
The job market in Hamilton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,282. There are 254 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Hamilton?
Schools in Hamilton score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.4% of adults in Hamilton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hamilton?
The obesity rate in Hamilton is 41.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 69.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,902.
What is transportation like in Hamilton?
The average commute in Hamilton is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 97.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hamilton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hamilton is 95.4% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 54.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.7% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
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