Median Income
$79,375
6% higher than US avg
Home Value
$139,100
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
248/100K
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.6%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.2%
2% lower than US avg
How La Motte Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population264
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density587/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans11.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$79,375
Per Capita$33,274
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty12.2%
County GDP$907M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$139,100
Ownership88.1%
Zillow$195,611
Housing Units118
Rent Burden17.0%
Crime
F
Violent248/100K
Property2,590/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking15.2%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation946 ft (288 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.6%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+1.7%
School Score5.64
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute25 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is La Motte a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Motte receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. La Motte offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in La Motte is $79,375, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 12.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in La Motte is $139,100, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in La Motte is below the national average at 248 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,590 per 100,000, 32% above the national average.
Education
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
La Motte experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
La Motte has a population of 264 with a density of 587 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 11.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in La Motte is $79,375, which is 6% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,274 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $870, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 674 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 15.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $79,375 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,274 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $870 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,979 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.2% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 674 |
| County GDP | $907M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 76 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,900 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.0% |
The median home value in La Motte is $139,100, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,611, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 118 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,900. 17.0% 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 | $139,100 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $195,611 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.9% |
| Housing Units | 118 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,900 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.80% |
In La Motte, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 24.8% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,767. The dentist ratio is 1:1,932. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Motte vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,767 |
| Dentists | 1:1,932 |
| Mental Health | 1:879 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 70.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,844/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
La Motte has a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,590 per 100,000, 32% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, La Motte receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Motte vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 248.2/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,589.8/100K |
| 32% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Motte experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches. The area receives 42.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 946 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 946 ft (288 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 587/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2956°N, 90.6233°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
608 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 446 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
92 km |
9 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
La Motte has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in La Motte. 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 | $670 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $452 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About La Motte
What is the population of La Motte?
La Motte has a population of 264 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 587 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is La Motte expensive to live in?
La Motte 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 $79,375, 6% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $139,100 (51% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is La Motte safe?
La Motte is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,590 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, La Motte receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Motte?
La Motte has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 42.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in La Motte?
The job market in La Motte is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $870. There are 674 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 15.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in La Motte?
The median home value in La Motte is $139,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,611. The homeownership rate is 88.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,900.
How are the schools in La Motte?
Schools in La Motte score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.6% of adults in La Motte hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Motte?
The obesity rate in La Motte is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,767.
What is transportation like in La Motte?
The average commute in La Motte is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Motte?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Motte is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 11.3% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 97.8% have health insurance coverage.
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