Median Income
$66,481
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,900
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
202/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.9%
20% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$525
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.9%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
65% lower than US avg
How Kanawha Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population805
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density407/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,481
Per Capita$33,493
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty4.3%
County GDP$1,247M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,900
Rent$525
Ownership85.5%
Zillow$133,523
Housing Units465
Rent Burden14.4%
Crime
F
Violent202/100K
Property1,210/100K
Health
Obesity43.9%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking17.0%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,186 ft (361 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.9%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute21 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations8
Libraries5
Is Kanawha a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kanawha receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Kanawha offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kanawha is $66,481, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kanawha is $79,900, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $525 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Kanawha is below the national average at 202 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,210 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
26.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Kanawha experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 16°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 34.3 inches, including 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Kanawha has a population of 805 with a density of 407 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (89.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.2% of residents, while 10.8% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.2%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.8%
19% below US avg
The median household income in Kanawha is $66,481, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,493 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,126, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 468 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,481 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,493 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,126 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,568 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.3% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 468 |
| County GDP | $1,247M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,919 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Kanawha is $79,900, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,523, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $525 (55% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 465 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $3,919. 14.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,900 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $133,523 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $525 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.5% |
| Housing Units | 465 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,919 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.90% |
In Kanawha, 43.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.2% report binge drinking. 29.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.9% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,557. The dentist ratio is 1:2,536. 86.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kanawha vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.9% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.0% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.5% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,557 |
| Dentists | 1:2,536 |
| Mental Health | 1:703 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 66.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,879/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Kanawha has a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,210 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kanawha receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kanawha vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 201.6/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,209.7/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kanawha experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°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 34.3 inches. The area receives 31.1 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 1,186 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,186 ft (361 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 407/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9342°N, 93.7932°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wright County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| 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)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
141 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
108 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
644 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 49 fatalities, 988 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
86 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
58 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
19 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
99 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
77 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Kanawha has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Kanawha. 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 | $667 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $443 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanawha
What is the population of Kanawha?
Kanawha has a population of 805 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 407 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Kanawha expensive to live in?
Kanawha 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 $66,481, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,900 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $525 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kanawha safe?
Kanawha is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,210 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kanawha receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kanawha?
Kanawha has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°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 34.3 inches, with 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Kanawha?
The job market in Kanawha is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,126. There are 468 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kanawha?
The median home value in Kanawha is $79,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,523. For renters, the median monthly rent is $525. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,919.
How are the schools in Kanawha?
Schools in Kanawha score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.9% of adults in Kanawha hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kanawha?
The obesity rate in Kanawha is 43.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 29.0% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 9.5% lack health insurance. 86.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,557.
What is transportation like in Kanawha?
The average commute in Kanawha is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kanawha?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kanawha is 89.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 89.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.8% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
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