Median Income
$52,446
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,000
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.1%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$546
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Humeston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population505
Median Age51.7 yrs
Density815/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,446
Per Capita$38,016
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$316M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,000
Rent$546
Ownership73.6%
Zillow$84,069
Housing Units272
Rent Burden20.7%
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured3.0%
Smoking17.1%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Elevation1,106 ft (337 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.1%
High School+92.9%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute26 min
Broadband83.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Humeston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Humeston receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Humeston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Humeston is $52,446, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Humeston is $65,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $546 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
23.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Humeston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 28.5 inches of snow.
Humeston has a population of 505 with a density of 815 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 51.7 years, 33% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.3% female and 52.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%), with 10.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.4% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
505
Total Population
2023 Census
51.7yrs
Median Age
33% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.4%
18% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
The median household income in Humeston is $52,446, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,016. The average weekly wage is $968, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 185 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,446 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,016 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $968 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,510 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 185 |
| County GDP | $316M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,250 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Humeston is $65,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,069, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $546 (53% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 272 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,250. 20.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $84,069 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $546 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.4% |
| Housing Units | 272 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,250 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.00% |
In Humeston, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.4% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 3.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,302. The dentist ratio is 1:2,156. 35.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Humeston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 3.0% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,302 |
| Dentists | 1:2,156 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,279 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 68.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,502/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Humeston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. The area receives 28.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,106 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.6°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,106 ft (337 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 815/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8607°N, 93.4973°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wayne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.56"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.2 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very 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
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
545 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 258 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
72 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
67 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
14 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
13 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (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 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Humeston has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.6") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Humeston. 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 | $661 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $434 |
| Toddler | $427 |
| Preschool | $427 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Humeston
What is the population of Humeston?
Humeston has a population of 505 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 815 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.3% female and 52.7% male.
Is Humeston expensive to live in?
Humeston 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 $52,446, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,000 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $546 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Humeston?
Humeston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 28.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Humeston?
The job market in Humeston is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $968. There are 185 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Humeston?
The median home value in Humeston is $65,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,069. For renters, the median monthly rent is $546. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,250.
How are the schools in Humeston?
Schools in Humeston score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.1% of adults in Humeston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.9% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Humeston?
The obesity rate in Humeston is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 3.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 35.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,302.
What is transportation like in Humeston?
The average commute in Humeston is 26 minutes. 70.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Humeston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Humeston is 94.3% White, 10.1% Hispanic or Latino. 92.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.