Median Income
$42,750
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$161,400
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,191/100K
213% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.0%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$592
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.6%
123% higher than US avg
How Iota Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,459
Median Age30.2 yrs
Density1,149/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
C
Median Income$42,750
Per Capita$22,703
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty27.6%
County GDP$2,067M
Commute46 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$161,400
Rent$592
Ownership54.8%
Zillow$178,242
Housing Units613
Rent Burden29.4%
Crime
F
Violent1,191/100K
Property6,390/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking20.0%
Depression32.5%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain63.5 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation29 ft (9 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.0%
High School+80.4%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score4.74
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 18%
Commute46 min
Broadband77.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Iota a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Iota receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Iota has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Iota is $42,750, 43% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 27.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 46 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Iota is $161,400, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $592 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 1,191 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,390 per 100,000, 226% above the national average.
Education
15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Iota enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 63.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Iota has a population of 1,459 with a density of 1,149 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 30.2 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%), with 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents, while 7% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 88.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.2yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.0%
48% below US avg
The median household income in Iota is $42,750, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,703 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $867, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 27.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,460 business establishments, including 91 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 46 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 13.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,750 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,703 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $867 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,101 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.6% |
| 123% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,460 |
| County GDP | $2,067M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 91 |
| Healthcare | 141 |
| Retail | 168 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,946 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 46.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.9% |
The median home value in Iota is $161,400, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,242, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $592 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 54.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 613 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $1,946 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $161,400 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $178,242 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $592 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 54.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.2% |
| Housing Units | 613 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,946 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.21% |
In Iota, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 37.7% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.2% report binge drinking. 31.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 32.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,728. The dentist ratio is 1:2,270. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Iota vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.7% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.2% |
| Depression | 32.5% |
| Mental Distress | 22.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,728 |
| Dentists | 1:2,270 |
| Mental Health | 1:672 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Dental Visits | 54.0% |
| Premature Death | 14,440/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 141 |
Iota has a violent crime rate of 1,191 per 100,000 residents, 213% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,390 per 100,000, 226% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Iota receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Iota vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,190.9/100K |
| 213% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,390.4/100K |
| 226% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Iota enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 313 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 63.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 29 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
51°F Jan (11°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.2°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 51°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 29 ft (9 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,149/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.3261°N, 92.4956°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Acadia Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Lafayette Regional/Paul Fournet Field (LFT) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
63.5"
67% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
162 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
165 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
222 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
46 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
86 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
218 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
241 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
57 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
106 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
278 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
134 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
263 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
41 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
280 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
79 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
192 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
180 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 2 |
262 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
680 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 50 fatalities, 658 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 3, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
9 |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Dec 16, 2019 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
31 km |
2 |
| Apr 17, 1973 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Feb 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| May 1, 1967 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 1961 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF3 |
29 km |
4 |
| Oct 15, 1957 |
EF3 |
43 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LACASSINE POOL (16,640 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
LACASSINE POOL |
16,640 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
12,496 |
49 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,563 |
66 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 113 |
7,104 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,588 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
C-368 366 365 364 75 |
5,919 |
93 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
5,381 |
92 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,928 |
64 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
4,875 |
56 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,872 |
66 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,678 |
65 km |
| 2019 |
C-371/369/34 |
4,481 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
RX CALV C-262-265 |
4,445 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,387 |
76 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
4,310 |
98 km |
| 2018 |
C-238 |
3,709 |
100 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,648 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,599 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
MIAMI |
3,466 |
79 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,430 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
51°F (11°C) |
5.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| October |
69°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
5.4 in |
|
Iota has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 51°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 59.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.9") and February the driest (4.1").
Average costs for common services in Iota. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($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–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
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 |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $658 |
| Preschool | $635 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $606 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Iota
What is the population of Iota?
Iota has a population of 1,459 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 1,149 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Iota expensive to live in?
Iota is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $42,750, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $161,400 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $592 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Iota safe?
Public safety is a concern in Iota, with a violent crime rate of 1,191 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,390 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Iota receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Iota?
Iota enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 51°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 63.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Iota?
Iota has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $867. There are 1,460 business establishments in the area, including 91 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 46 minutes, and 13.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Iota?
The median home value in Iota is $161,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,242. For renters, the median monthly rent is $592. Fair market rent is $832 for a 1-bedroom and $1,007 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.8%. The average annual property tax is $1,946.
How are the schools in Iota?
Schools in Iota have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 15.0% of adults in Iota hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.4% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Iota?
The obesity rate in Iota is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 31.2% are physically inactive. 32.5% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,728.
What is transportation like in Iota?
The average commute in Iota is 46 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Iota?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Iota is 94.1% White, 1.9% Black or African American. 93% of residents speak only English at home, while 7% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 88.6% have health insurance coverage.