Median Income
$119,375
59% higher than US avg
Home Value
$218,800
22% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
120/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.3%
8% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$971
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.6%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
32% lower than US avg
How Kelley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population386
Median Age32.7 yrs
Density522/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans10.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$119,375
Per Capita$46,619
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty8.4%
County GDP$63,823M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$218,800
Rent$971
Ownership57.3%
Zillow$331,064
Housing Units184
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent120/100K
Property1,787/100K
Health
Obesity32.6%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking11.7%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,034 ft (315 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.3%
High School+97.8%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute22 min
Broadband94.2%
EV Stations21
Libraries19
Is Kelley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kelley receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Kelley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kelley is $119,375, which is significantly higher than the national average / 59% above $75,149. This places Kelley among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 8.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kelley is $218,800, 22% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $971 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Kelley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,787 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Kelley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Kelley has a population of 386 with a density of 522 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 32.7 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%), with 4.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 10.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.7yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
The median household income in Kelley is $119,375, which is 59% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,619 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,395. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 20,581 business establishments, including 1,227 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). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $119,375 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,619 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,395 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,610 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.4% |
| 32% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 20,581 |
| County GDP | $63,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,227 |
| Healthcare | 1,513 |
| Retail | 1,606 |
| Manufacturing | 341 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Kelley is $218,800, 22% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $331,064, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $971 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 184 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $6,943 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $218,800 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $331,064 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $971 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.7% |
| Housing Units | 184 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.17% |
In Kelley, 32.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 24.6% report binge drinking. 18.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.2% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073. The dentist ratio is 1:1,259. 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kelley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.6% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.7% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 27.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,073 |
| Dentists | 1:1,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:285 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 72.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,653/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,513 |
Kelley has a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,787 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Kelley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kelley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 120.0/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,786.8/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kelley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°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 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,034 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,034 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 522/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9509°N, 93.6650°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.96"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0449 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.2 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
730 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 35 fatalities, 632 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
93 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
17 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
94 km |
6 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
91 km |
6 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
25 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Kelley has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Kelley. 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 | $768 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $662 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $507 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelley
What is the population of Kelley?
Kelley has a population of 386 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 522 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Kelley expensive to live in?
Kelley 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 $119,375, 59% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $218,800 (22% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $971 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kelley safe?
Kelley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 120 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,787 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Kelley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kelley?
Kelley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Kelley?
The job market in Kelley is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,395. There are 20,581 business establishments in the area, including 1,227 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kelley?
The median home value in Kelley is $218,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $331,064. For renters, the median monthly rent is $971. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,943.
How are the schools in Kelley?
Schools in Kelley score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.3% of adults in Kelley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kelley?
The obesity rate in Kelley is 32.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 18.6% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073.
What is transportation like in Kelley?
The average commute in Kelley is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kelley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kelley is 90.9% White, 4.9% Black or African American. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 10.5% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
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