Median Income
$54,868
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,600
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
159/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.7%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$542
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
82% lower than US avg
How Leon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,795
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density573/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$54,868
Per Capita$25,003
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty2.2%
County GDP$278M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,600
Rent$542
Ownership51.5%
Zillow$139,978
Housing Units943
Rent Burden17.9%
Crime
F
Violent159/100K
Property1,746/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking18.9%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,066 ft (325 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.7%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score5.15
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute28 min
Broadband79.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Leon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Leon 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. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Leon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Leon is $54,868, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Leon is $79,600, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $542 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Leon is below the national average at 159 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Leon experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°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 39.3 inches, including 28.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Leon has a population of 1,795 with a density of 573 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Leon is $54,868, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,003 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $827, 42% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 224 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,868 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,003 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $827 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,793 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.2% |
| 82% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 224 |
| County GDP | $278M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 27 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,429 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Leon is $79,600, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,978, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $542 (53% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 51.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 943 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,429 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,600 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $139,978 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $542 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 51.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.5% |
| Housing Units | 943 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,429 |
| 27% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.56% |
In Leon, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 18.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,537. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Leon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.9% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,537 |
| Mental Health | 1:365 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,258/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Leon has a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,746 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Leon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Leon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 158.7/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,745.7/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Leon experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°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 39.3 inches. The area receives 28.5 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 1,066 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.6°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,066 ft (325 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 573/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7413°N, 93.7556°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Decatur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.1 / 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 Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
513 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 181 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
66 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
43 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 1994 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1960 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Leon has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Leon. 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 | $659 |
| Toddler | $568 |
| Preschool | $568 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $426 |
| Preschool | $426 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Leon
What is the population of Leon?
Leon has a population of 1,795 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 573 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Leon expensive to live in?
Leon 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 $54,868, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,600 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $542 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Leon safe?
Leon is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Leon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Leon?
Leon has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°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 39.3 inches, with 28.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Leon?
The job market in Leon is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $827. There are 224 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Leon?
The median home value in Leon is $79,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $139,978. For renters, the median monthly rent is $542. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,429.
How are the schools in Leon?
Schools in Leon score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.7% of adults in Leon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Leon?
The obesity rate in Leon is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.9% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 62.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,829.
What is transportation like in Leon?
The average commute in Leon is 28 minutes. 87.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Leon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Leon is 96.4% White. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
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