Median Income
$53,051
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,300
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
220/100K
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.3%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$898
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Iowa Falls Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,062
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density939/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,051
Per Capita$30,506
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$1,142M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,300
Rent$898
Ownership63.5%
Zillow$128,622
Housing Units2,476
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
F
Violent220/100K
Property1,658/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault160/100K
Burglary80/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking16.5%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,099 ft (335 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.3%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute15 min
Broadband79.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Iowa Falls a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Iowa Falls receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Iowa Falls offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Iowa Falls is $53,051, 29% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Iowa Falls is $106,300, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $898 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Iowa Falls is below the national average at 220 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,658 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Iowa Falls experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches, including 27.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Iowa Falls has a population of 5,062 with a density of 939 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age is 39.0 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The city is predominantly White (91.4%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.0yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Iowa Falls vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Iowa Falls vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Iowa Falls is $53,051, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,506 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 650 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Iowa Falls vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,051 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,506 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,609 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 650 |
| County GDP | $1,142M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,023 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.8% |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
The median home value in Iowa Falls is $106,300, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,622, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $898 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,476 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $4,023. 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,300 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $128,622 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $898 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.5% |
| Housing Units | 2,476 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,023 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.78% |
In Iowa Falls, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,785. The dentist ratio is 1:1,381. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Iowa Falls vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,785 |
| Dentists | 1:1,381 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,058 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,029/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Iowa Falls has a violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 residents, 42% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 159.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 59.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,658 per 100,000, 15% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,458, burglary at 80, vehicle theft at 120 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Iowa Falls receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Iowa Falls vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 219.7/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 59.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 159.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,658.0/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| Burglary | 79.9/100K |
| Theft | 1,458.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 119.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 45 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Iowa Falls experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches. The area receives 27.7 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 1,099 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,099 ft (335 m) |
| Area | 5.4 sq mi (14.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 939/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5192°N, 93.2661°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hardin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.1"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.08"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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)
Tornado History
691 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 1,145 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
32 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
30 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
44 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
5.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Iowa Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.1") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Iowa Falls. 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 | $697 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $458 |
| Toddler | $450 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Falls
What is the population of Iowa Falls?
Iowa Falls has a population of 5,062 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 939 people per square mile, spread across 5.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.0 years. The population is 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
Is Iowa Falls expensive to live in?
Iowa Falls 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 $53,051, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,300 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $898 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Iowa Falls safe?
Iowa Falls is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,658 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Iowa Falls receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Iowa Falls?
Iowa Falls has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.1 inches, with 27.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Iowa Falls?
Iowa Falls has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 650 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 9.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Iowa Falls?
The median home value in Iowa Falls is $106,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,622. For renters, the median monthly rent is $898. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,023.
How are the schools in Iowa Falls?
Schools in Iowa Falls score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.3% of adults in Iowa Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Iowa Falls?
The obesity rate in Iowa Falls is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,785.
What is transportation like in Iowa Falls?
The average commute in Iowa Falls is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.8% use public transit, and 9.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Iowa Falls?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Iowa Falls is 91.4% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability. 96.1% have health insurance coverage.
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