Median Income
$81,875
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$217,800
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
294/100K
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.2%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,179
1% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Hills Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population892
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density1,088/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,875
Per Capita$39,417
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$12,640M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$217,800
Rent$1,179
Ownership62.2%
Zillow$248,800
Housing Units435
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent294/100K
Property2,421/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking18.8%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation634 ft (193 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.2%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score6.24
Community
2024 VoteR 30% / D 68%
Commute19 min
Broadband94.3%
EV Stations46
Libraries8
Is Hills a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hills receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Hills offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hills is $81,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 Hills is $217,800, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,179 per month. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Hills is below the national average at 294 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,421 per 100,000, 24% above the national average.
Education
24.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Hills experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°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 38.5 inches, including 27.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Hills has a population of 892 with a density of 1,088 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (88.9%), with 3% Hispanic, 3.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.1% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.1%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.9%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Hills is $81,875, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,417. The average weekly wage is $1,238, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,140 business establishments, including 448 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). 14.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,875 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,417 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,238 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,456 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,140 |
| County GDP | $12,640M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 448 |
| Healthcare | 493 |
| Retail | 492 |
| Manufacturing | 80 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.0% |
The median home value in Hills is $217,800, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,800, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,179 (1% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 435 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $6,982 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $217,800 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $248,800 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $149 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,179 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.8% |
| Housing Units | 435 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.21% |
In Hills, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.1% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:521. The dentist ratio is 1:424. 89.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hills vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:521 |
| Dentists | 1:424 |
| Mental Health | 1:209 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 4,821/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 493 |
Hills has a violent crime rate of 294 per 100,000 residents, 23% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,421 per 100,000, 24% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hills receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hills vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 293.7/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,421.3/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hills experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°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 38.5 inches. The area receives 27.5 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 634 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 634 ft (193 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,088/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5566°N, 91.5363°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.5"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
649 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 289 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
60 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
62 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
61 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
69 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
62 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Hills has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Hills. 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 | $765 |
| Toddler | $659 |
| Preschool | $659 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $508 |
| Preschool | $508 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hills
What is the population of Hills?
Hills has a population of 892 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,088 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 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 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Hills expensive to live in?
Hills 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 $81,875, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $217,800 (23% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,179 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hills safe?
Hills is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 294 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,421 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hills receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hills?
Hills has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°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 38.5 inches, with 27.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Hills?
The job market in Hills is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,238. There are 5,140 business establishments in the area, including 448 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 14.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hills?
The median home value in Hills is $217,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,800. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,179. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,982.
How are the schools in Hills?
Schools in Hills score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.2% of adults in Hills hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hills?
The obesity rate in Hills is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 89.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:521.
What is transportation like in Hills?
The average commute in Hills is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hills?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hills is 88.9% White, 3.9% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 95.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.9% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 96.0% have health insurance coverage.
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