Median Income
$47,917
36% lower than US avg
Home Value
$71,100
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.9%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Irwin Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population297
Median Age46.6 yrs
Density503/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans10.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,917
Per Capita$30,438
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$1,051M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$71,100
Rent$700
Ownership89.4%
Zillow$151,406
Housing Units169
Rent Burden15.0%
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking14.2%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Elevation1,281 ft (390 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.9%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score6.35
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute18 min
Broadband93.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Irwin a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Irwin receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Irwin offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Irwin is $47,917, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. 11.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Irwin is $71,100, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
25.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Irwin experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 30.5 inches of snow.
Irwin has a population of 297 with a density of 503 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 46.6 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.1% female and 57.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%), with 6.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 10.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
297
Total Population
2023 Census
46.6yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Irwin is $47,917, which is 36% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,438 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $982, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 444 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,917 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,438 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,398 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 444 |
| County GDP | $1,051M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Irwin is $71,100, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,406, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 169 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $4,339 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $71,100 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $151,406 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 15.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.6% |
| Housing Units | 169 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,339 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.10% |
In Irwin, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 20.9% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,962. The dentist ratio is 1:1,664. 51.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Irwin vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,962 |
| Dentists | 1:1,664 |
| Mental Health | 1:656 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 71.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,814/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Irwin experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches. The area receives 30.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,281 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,281 ft (390 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 503/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7901°N, 95.2068°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Shelby County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.17"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
549 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 441 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
57 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
100 km |
3 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
76 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
59 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
58 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Irwin has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Irwin. 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 | $710 |
| Toddler | $612 |
| Preschool | $612 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $479 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Irwin
What is the population of Irwin?
Irwin has a population of 297 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 503 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.1% female and 57.9% male.
Is Irwin expensive to live in?
Irwin 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 $47,917, 36% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $71,100 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Irwin?
Irwin has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches, with 30.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Irwin?
The job market in Irwin is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $982. There are 444 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Irwin?
The median home value in Irwin is $71,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,406. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,339.
How are the schools in Irwin?
Schools in Irwin score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.9% of adults in Irwin hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Irwin?
The obesity rate in Irwin is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 51.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,962.
What is transportation like in Irwin?
The average commute in Irwin is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Irwin?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Irwin is 92.9% White, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 10.2% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.