Median Income
$59,750
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,000
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.7%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$759
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Lenox Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,474
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density772/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,750
Per Capita$29,107
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$376M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,000
Rent$759
Ownership77.7%
Zillow$116,430
Housing Units673
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property1,872/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured12.4%
Smoking16.2%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,300 ft (396 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.7%
High School+87.3%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score6.10
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute16 min
Broadband85.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Lenox a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lenox receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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 a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Lenox offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lenox is $59,750, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lenox is $106,000, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $759 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
Violent crime in Lenox is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lenox experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 22°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 35.3 inches, including 27.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lenox has a population of 1,474 with a density of 772 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (78.8%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 73.8% of residents, while 26.3% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
73.8%
6% below US avg
Spanish
26.3%
96% above US avg
The median household income in Lenox is $59,750, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,107 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 192 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,750 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,107 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,359 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 192 |
| County GDP | $376M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,560 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Lenox is $106,000, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $116,430. Monthly rent averages $759 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 673 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,560. 25.3% 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 | $106,000 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $116,430 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $759 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.3% |
| Housing Units | 673 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,560 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.36% |
In Lenox, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 21.1% report binge drinking. 28.6% are physically inactive. 20.9% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,956. The dentist ratio is 1:2,929. 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lenox vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.6% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 12.4% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,956 |
| Dentists | 1:2,929 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,924 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,565/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Lenox has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,872 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. Overall, Lenox receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lenox vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 265.7/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,872.5/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lenox experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 22°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 35.3 inches. The area receives 27.8 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 1,300 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,300 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 772/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8832°N, 94.5579°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Taylor County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.3"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Dec 17, 2009.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
122 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
88 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
54 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
111 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
575 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 245 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
64 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
31 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
49 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Lenox has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Lenox. 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 | $666 |
| Toddler | $574 |
| Preschool | $574 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $438 |
| Toddler | $431 |
| Preschool | $431 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lenox
What is the population of Lenox?
Lenox has a population of 1,474 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 772 people per square mile, spread across 2.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Lenox expensive to live in?
Lenox 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 $59,750, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,000 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $759 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 Lenox safe?
Lenox is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lenox receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lenox?
Lenox has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°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 35.3 inches, with 27.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lenox?
The job market in Lenox is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 192 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lenox?
The median home value in Lenox is $106,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $116,430. For renters, the median monthly rent is $759. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,560.
How are the schools in Lenox?
Schools in Lenox score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.7% of adults in Lenox hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lenox?
The obesity rate in Lenox is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 28.6% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 12.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,956.
What is transportation like in Lenox?
The average commute in Lenox is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lenox?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lenox is 78.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 73.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 26.3% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
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