Median Income
$17,500
77% lower than US avg
Home Value
$54,700
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.8%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.5%
164% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
48.8%
294% higher than US avg
How Iron City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population226
Median Age33.4 yrs
Density328/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
F
Median Income$17,500
Per Capita$17,349
Unemployment9.5%
Poverty48.8%
County GDP$1,585M
Housing
A+
Home Value$54,700
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$193,001
Housing Units106
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,412/100K
Health
Obesity42.8%
Uninsured15.2%
Smoking25.1%
Depression34.0%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain61.8 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation662 ft (202 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+82.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Broadband70.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Iron City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Iron City receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Iron City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Iron City is $17,500, 77% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 48.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Iron City is $54,700, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Iron City 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 1,412 per 100,000, 28% below the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Iron City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Iron City has a population of 226 with a density of 328 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 33.4 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.8% female and 56.2% male. The city is predominantly White (73%), with 25.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 47.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.4yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Iron City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Iron City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Iron City is $17,500, which is 77% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,349 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $880, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 48.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 931 business establishments, including 65 restaurants. The cost of living index is 91.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 55.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Iron City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $17,500 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,349 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $880 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,896 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.5% |
| 164% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 48.8% |
| 294% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 931 |
| County GDP | $1,585M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 65 |
| Healthcare | 87 |
| Retail | 175 |
| Manufacturing | 58 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,800 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 91.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.12% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 31.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 55.2% |
The median home value in Iron City is $54,700, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,001, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 90.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $924 for a one-bedroom to $1,118 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 106 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $2,800 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $54,700 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,001 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $98 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $882 |
| 1 Bedroom | $924 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,118 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,644 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 106 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,800 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.12% |
In Iron City, 42.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 39.2% have high blood pressure. 25.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 31.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 34.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.9% experience frequent mental distress. 15.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,637. The dentist ratio is 1:5,046. 53.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Iron City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.2% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 11.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 25.1% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.9% |
| Depression | 34.0% |
| Mental Distress | 23.9% |
| Physical Distress | 18.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 15.2% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,637 |
| Dentists | 1:5,046 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,048 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 52.1% |
| Premature Death | 12,411/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 87 |
Iron City has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,412 per 100,000, 28% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Iron City receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Iron City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,412.1/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Iron City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 302 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 61.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 662 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 58.0°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 662 ft (202 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 328/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.0226°N, 87.5855°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lawrence County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northwest Alabama Regional (MSL)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.8"
63% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
6.30"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
36 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 13, 2022.
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
128 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
12 km E of Vernon, Alabama |
M3.2 |
145 km |
| Sep 2, 1990 |
12 km NW of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.2 |
144 km |
| Jun 23, 1990 |
8 km N of Belk, Alabama |
M3.1 |
149 km |
| May 10, 2008 |
1 km SSE of Sherman, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
2 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| May 4, 2007 |
4 km SSW of Jasper, Alabama |
M3.0 |
139 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
13 km S of Winfield, Alabama |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| May 28, 2000 |
3 km NE of Fayette, Alabama |
M3.0 |
148 km |
| May 4, 1994 |
12 km NNW of Addison, Alabama |
M3.0 |
86 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
38 km |
| Jan 5, 2012 |
11 km NW of Oakman, Alabama |
M2.9 |
138 km |
| Jan 2, 2000 |
4 km SW of Lester, Alabama |
M2.9 |
37 km |
| Jun 25, 2020 |
4 km NNW of Berry, Alabama |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| Oct 3, 1993 |
3 km SW of Oakman, Alabama |
M2.8 |
149 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
11 km S of Pulaski, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
51 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
7 km NW of Elkmont, Alabama |
M2.8 |
51 km |
| Sep 20, 1990 |
6 km N of Elkmont, Alabama |
M2.8 |
57 km |
| Jan 16, 2019 |
5 km SSE of Wartrace, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
17 km E of Olivet, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
43 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
553 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 139 fatalities, 2,194 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF5 |
45 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
61 km |
16 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
62 km |
28 |
| Feb 6, 2008 |
EF4 |
74 km |
4 |
| Feb 5, 2008 |
EF4 |
70 km |
3 |
| May 5, 1999 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
10 km |
3 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| Nov 15, 1989 |
EF4 |
95 km |
21 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
99 km |
11 |
| Apr 24, 1955 |
EF4 |
89 km |
5 |
| Mar 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
71 km |
4 |
| Feb 29, 1952 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2024 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 2023 |
EF3 |
92 km |
1 |
| Nov 29, 2016 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 2015 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
42 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,112 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,112 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
BK OWL CREEK |
2,838 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,822 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,764 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
GREEN TOWER |
2,653 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,602 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,442 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
BIG TREE |
2,288 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,264 |
77 km |
| 2010 |
BALLS MT. |
2,229 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,160 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,143 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,114 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
BK LEOLA/WARREN |
2,007 |
77 km |
| 2024 |
BNK MILL CREEK RX |
1,959 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
STINSON GAP |
1,922 |
77 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,845 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
1,826 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,819 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
6.3 in |
Wettest |
| April |
58°F (15°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
Driest |
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
5.7 in |
|
Iron City has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 38°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.5 inches, with March being the wettest month (6.3") and August the driest (3.5").
Average costs for common services in Iron City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$230 ($138–$368) |
| Specialist Visit |
$322 ($184–$505) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$184 ($92–$322) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,022 ($735–$4,595) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$119 ($69–$184) |
| Dental Filling |
$230 ($138–$368) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$69) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$69 ($46–$110) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$551 ($368–$919) |
| Battery Replacement |
$184 ($92–$322) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$92 ($55–$138) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$83 ($46–$129) |
| HVAC Repair |
$368 ($138–$735) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,433 ($3,676–$11,028) |
| Roof Repair |
$919 ($368–$1,838) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,271 ($5,055–$13,785) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,379 ($460–$3,217) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,785 ($4,595–$27,570) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,595 ($1,838–$9,190) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,379 ($735–$2,757) |
| Will Preparation |
$460 ($184–$919) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,298 ($919–$4,595) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$92) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$138 ($69–$230) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$119) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.77 ($2.76–$5.05) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.22 ($2.30–$4.60) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.49 ($2.30–$5.05) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.14 ($2.76–$5.97) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.05 ($3.68–$6.89) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.92 ($0.55–$1.65) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$129 ($74–$230) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$138) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$110) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($37–$92) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$92) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$78 ($46–$138) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$184 ($69–$460) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,838 ($1,103–$3,217) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($28–$119) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.35–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$92 ($28–$230) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$69) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,103 ($551–$2,298) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$919 ($460–$1,838) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$368 ($184–$643) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$92) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$919 ($368–$2,298) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,488 ($4,595–$27,570) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$92 ($46–$184) |
| Dog Grooming |
$55 ($28–$92) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($18–$69) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$276 ($138–$460) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$184 ($92–$368) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $567 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $393 |
| Toddler | $422 |
| Preschool | $422 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Iron City
What is the population of Iron City?
Iron City has a population of 226 residents and is located in Tennessee. The population density is 328 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.8% female and 56.2% male.
Is Iron City expensive to live in?
Iron City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $17,500, 77% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $54,700 (81% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Iron City safe?
Iron City 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 1,412 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Iron City receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Iron City?
Iron City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.8 inches, with 1.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Iron City?
The job market in Iron City faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $880. There are 931 business establishments in the area, including 65 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Iron City?
The median home value in Iron City is $54,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,001. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,800.
How are the schools in Iron City?
Schools in Iron City score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Iron City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Iron City?
The obesity rate in Iron City is 42.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 25.1% of adults are smokers. 31.9% are physically inactive. 34.0% of residents report depression. 15.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 53.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,637.
What are the demographics of Iron City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Iron City is 73% White, 25.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 47.1% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
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