Median Income
$72,766
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$221,300
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
541/100K
42% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.0%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$819
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.5%
96% lower than US avg
How Kalona Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,679
Median Age41.0 yrs
Density1,240/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$72,766
Per Capita$41,710
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty0.5%
County GDP$1,863M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$221,300
Rent$819
Ownership70.8%
Zillow$307,557
Housing Units1,222
Rent Burden23.4%
Crime
F
Violent541/100K
Property946/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking13.5%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation667 ft (203 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.0%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 37%
Commute22 min
Broadband92.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Kalona a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kalona receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Kalona offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kalona is $72,766, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 0.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kalona is $221,300, 21% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 541 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 946 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
31.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Kalona experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Kalona has a population of 2,679 with a density of 1,240 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 41.0 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.8% of residents, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 87.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.0yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.8%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.2%
46% below US avg
The median household income in Kalona is $72,766, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,710. The average weekly wage is $933, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 858 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,766 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,710 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,685 |
| Gini Index | 0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.5% |
| 96% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 858 |
| County GDP | $1,863M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 61 |
| Retail | 89 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,261 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.1% |
| Public Transit | 1.4% |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |
The median home value in Kalona is $221,300, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $307,557, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.4% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $819 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,222 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,261 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $221,300 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $307,557 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $131 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $819 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,222 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,261 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.93% |
In Kalona, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 23.8% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,250. The dentist ratio is 1:2,508. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kalona vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,250 |
| Dentists | 1:2,508 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,327 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 72.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,076/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 61 |
Kalona has a violent crime rate of 541 per 100,000 residents, 42% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 946 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kalona receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kalona vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 540.8/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 946.3/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kalona experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 37.9 inches. The area receives 25.2 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 667 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 667 ft (203 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,240/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4874°N, 91.7018°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
627 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 312 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
66 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Kalona has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Kalona. 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 | $702 |
| Toddler | $605 |
| Preschool | $605 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $474 |
| Toddler | $466 |
| Preschool | $466 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kalona
What is the population of Kalona?
Kalona has a population of 2,679 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,240 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.0 years. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
Is Kalona expensive to live in?
Kalona 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 $72,766, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $221,300 (21% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kalona safe?
The violent crime rate in Kalona is 541 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 946 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kalona receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kalona?
Kalona has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Kalona?
The job market in Kalona is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $933. There are 858 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 12.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kalona?
The median home value in Kalona is $221,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $307,557. For renters, the median monthly rent is $819. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,261.
How are the schools in Kalona?
Schools in Kalona score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 31.0% of adults in Kalona hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kalona?
The obesity rate in Kalona is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,250.
What is transportation like in Kalona?
The average commute in Kalona is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.1% of workers drive alone to work, 1.4% use public transit, and 12.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kalona?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kalona is 94.2% White. 92.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 3.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 87.7% have health insurance coverage.
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