Median Income
$70,661
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$162,600
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.6%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$731
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
24% lower than US avg
How Humboldt Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,761
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density1,024/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,661
Per Capita$39,293
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty9.4%
County GDP$598M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$162,600
Rent$731
Ownership68.1%
Zillow$180,232
Housing Units2,269
Rent Burden20.2%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,048/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary66/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking16.1%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,073 ft (327 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.6%
High School+95.1%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute16 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Humboldt a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Humboldt receives an overall livability score of 3.6 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 high obesity rates. Humboldt offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Humboldt is $70,661, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Humboldt is $162,600, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Humboldt is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,048 per 100,000, 47% below the national average.
Education
23.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Humboldt experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Humboldt has a population of 4,761 with a density of 1,024 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
The median household income in Humboldt is $70,661, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,293. The average weekly wage is $1,014, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 367 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,661 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,293 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,014 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,410 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.4% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 367 |
| County GDP | $598M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,919 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.3% |
The median home value in Humboldt is $162,600, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,232, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $731 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $798 for a one-bedroom to $919 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,269 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $4,919 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $162,600 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,232 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $731 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $682 |
| 1 Bedroom | $798 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $919 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,278 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,436 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.9% |
| Housing Units | 2,269 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,919 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.03% |
In Humboldt, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,634. The dentist ratio is 1:2,393. 63.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Humboldt vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,634 |
| Dentists | 1:2,393 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,167 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,220/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Humboldt has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,048 per 100,000, 47% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 896, burglary at 66, vehicle theft at 87 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Humboldt receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Humboldt vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,048.5/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| Burglary | 65.5/100K |
| Theft | 895.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 87.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Humboldt experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,073 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.2°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,073 ft (327 m) |
| Area | 4.7 sq mi (12.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,024/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7229°N, 94.2250°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Humboldt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.0"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.0 / 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 |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
623 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 896 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
90 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
48 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
32 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Humboldt has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Humboldt. 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 | $652 |
| Toddler | $562 |
| Preschool | $562 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $440 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Humboldt
What is the population of Humboldt?
Humboldt has a population of 4,761 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,024 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 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 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Humboldt expensive to live in?
Humboldt 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 $70,661, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,600 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Humboldt safe?
Humboldt is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,048 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Humboldt receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Humboldt?
Humboldt has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Humboldt?
The job market in Humboldt is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,014. There are 367 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 13.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Humboldt?
The median home value in Humboldt is $162,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,232. For renters, the median monthly rent is $731. Fair market rent is $798 for a 1-bedroom and $919 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,919.
How are the schools in Humboldt?
Schools in Humboldt score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.6% of adults in Humboldt hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Humboldt?
The obesity rate in Humboldt is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 63.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,634.
What is transportation like in Humboldt?
The average commute in Humboldt is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Humboldt?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Humboldt is 92.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 17.7% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
