Median Income
$47,188
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$184,400
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
145/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.4%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$334
71% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How Holy Cross Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population264
Median Age48.7 yrs
Density800/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,188
Per Capita$39,081
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty2.8%
County GDP$9,160M
Commute34 min
Housing
A
Home Value$184,400
Rent$334
Ownership70.6%
Zillow$225,488
Housing Units135
Rent Burden12.7%
Crime
F
Violent145/100K
Property1,114/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking14.8%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,219 ft (372 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.4%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute34 min
Broadband82.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Holy Cross a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Holy Cross receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Holy Cross offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Holy Cross is $47,188, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Holy Cross is $184,400, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $334 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Holy Cross is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,114 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
20.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Holy Cross experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches, including 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Holy Cross has a population of 264 with a density of 800 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 48.7 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%), with 3.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.7yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Holy Cross vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Holy Cross vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Holy Cross is $47,188, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,081. The average weekly wage is $1,128, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,728 business establishments, including 242 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Holy Cross vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,188 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,081 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,128 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,704 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,728 |
| County GDP | $9,160M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 242 |
| Healthcare | 316 |
| Retail | 397 |
| Manufacturing | 149 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,807 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Holy Cross is $184,400, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,488, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $334 (71% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 135 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $5,807 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 12.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $184,400 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $225,488 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $334 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.4% |
| Housing Units | 135 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,807 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.15% |
In Holy Cross, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 26.9% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 24.2% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,299. The dentist ratio is 1:1,233. 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Holy Cross vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.9% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,299 |
| Dentists | 1:1,233 |
| Mental Health | 1:497 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,844/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 316 |
Holy Cross has a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,114 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Holy Cross receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Holy Cross vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 145.3/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,114.1/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Holy Cross experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches. The area receives 36.1 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 1,219 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,219 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 800/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6011°N, 90.9962°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dubuque County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
529 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 561 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
93 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
77 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Holy Cross has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Holy Cross. 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 | $719 |
| Toddler | $620 |
| Preschool | $620 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $486 |
| Toddler | $478 |
| Preschool | $478 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Holy Cross
What is the population of Holy Cross?
Holy Cross has a population of 264 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 800 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Holy Cross expensive to live in?
Holy Cross 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 $47,188, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $184,400 (35% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $334 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Holy Cross safe?
Holy Cross is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 145 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,114 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Holy Cross receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Holy Cross?
Holy Cross has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.8 inches, with 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Holy Cross?
The job market in Holy Cross is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,128. There are 3,728 business establishments in the area, including 242 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Holy Cross?
The median home value in Holy Cross is $184,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $225,488. For renters, the median monthly rent is $334. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,807.
How are the schools in Holy Cross?
Schools in Holy Cross score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.4% of adults in Holy Cross hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Holy Cross?
The obesity rate in Holy Cross is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,299.
What is transportation like in Holy Cross?
The average commute in Holy Cross is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Holy Cross?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Holy Cross is 93.6% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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