Median Income
$69,375
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,700
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
323/100K
15% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.1%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$881
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.6%
23% lower than US avg
How Hawarden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,674
Median Age35.0 yrs
Density965/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 71%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,375
Per Capita$33,079
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty9.6%
County GDP$3,920M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,700
Rent$881
Ownership65.7%
Zillow$185,773
Housing Units1,043
Rent Burden19.7%
Crime
F
Violent323/100K
Property242/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault202/100K
Burglary121/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured13.3%
Smoking16.2%
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain29.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,180 ft (360 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.1%
High School+75.1%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute17 min
Broadband92.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Hawarden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hawarden receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Hawarden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hawarden is $69,375, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hawarden is $132,700, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $881 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hawarden is below the national average at 323 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 242 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Hawarden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.9 inches, including 30.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Hawarden has a population of 2,674 with a density of 965 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.6% female and 54.4% male. The city is predominantly White (70.6%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 76.4% of residents, while 23.6% speak Spanish. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.0yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
76.4%
3% below US avg
Spanish
23.6%
76% above US avg
The median household income in Hawarden is $69,375, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,079 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,072, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,576 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,375 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,079 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,072 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,219 |
| Gini Index | 0.406 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,576 |
| County GDP | $3,920M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 158 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,429 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
The median home value in Hawarden is $132,700, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,773, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $881 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,043 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,429 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,700 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $185,773 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $881 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,043 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,429 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.09% |
In Hawarden, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 20.6% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 13.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,238. The dentist ratio is 1:1,897. 79.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hawarden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 28.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.1% |
| Uninsured | 13.3% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,238 |
| Dentists | 1:1,897 |
| Mental Health | 1:585 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 3,914/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Hawarden has a violent crime rate of 323 per 100,000 residents, 15% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 201.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 121.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 242 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 121, burglary at 121, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hawarden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hawarden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 322.7/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 121.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 201.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 242.0/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Burglary | 121.0/100K |
| Theft | 121.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 40.3/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hawarden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 291 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 29.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.6 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 1,180 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,180 ft (360 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 965/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0013°N, 96.4829°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sioux County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.9"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 52.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 6, 2024.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
102 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
114 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
665 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 9 fatalities, 150 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
96 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1968 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Hawarden has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Hawarden. 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 | $692 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawarden
What is the population of Hawarden?
Hawarden has a population of 2,674 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 965 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.6% female and 54.4% male.
Is Hawarden expensive to live in?
Hawarden 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 $69,375, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,700 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $881 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hawarden safe?
Hawarden is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 323 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 242 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Hawarden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hawarden?
Hawarden 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 74°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.9 inches, with 30.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Hawarden?
Hawarden has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,072. There are 1,576 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 9.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hawarden?
The median home value in Hawarden is $132,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $185,773. For renters, the median monthly rent is $881. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,429.
How are the schools in Hawarden?
Schools in Hawarden score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.1% of adults in Hawarden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.1% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hawarden?
The obesity rate in Hawarden is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 20.6% of residents report depression. 13.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 79.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,238.
What is transportation like in Hawarden?
The average commute in Hawarden is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hawarden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hawarden is 70.6% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 76.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 23.6% speak Spanish. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
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