Median Income
$75,625
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$103,700
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
607/100K
60% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$942
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.7%
31% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Letts Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population382
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density670/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,625
Per Capita$35,823
Unemployment4.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$930M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,700
Rent$942
Ownership86.0%
Zillow$130,993
Housing Units149
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent607/100K
Property2,004/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking17.4%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation652 ft (199 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+94.3%
Graduate+0.8%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute24 min
Broadband85.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Letts a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Letts receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Letts has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Letts is $75,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Letts is $103,700, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 607 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,004 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Letts 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 38.8 inches, including 31.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Letts has a population of 382 with a density of 670 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (80.6%), with 6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
The median household income in Letts is $75,625, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,823. The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 281 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 24 minutes. 0.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,625 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,823 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,697 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.7% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 281 |
| County GDP | $930M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 97.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.5% |
The median home value in Letts is $103,700, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,993, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $942 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 149 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,750 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $103,700 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $130,993 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $942 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.0% |
| Housing Units | 149 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.65% |
In Letts, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.6% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,749. The dentist ratio is 1:2,669. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Letts vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:10,749 |
| Dentists | 1:2,669 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,168 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Letts has a violent crime rate of 607 per 100,000 residents, 60% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,004 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Letts receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Letts vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 607.2/100K |
| 60% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,003.7/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Letts 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 38.8 inches. The area receives 31.3 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 652 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 652 ft (199 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 670/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3300°N, 91.2354°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Louisa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
642 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 265 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
27 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
26 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
26 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
27 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
26 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Letts has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Letts. 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 | $698 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $451 |
| Preschool | $451 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Letts
What is the population of Letts?
Letts has a population of 382 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 670 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 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 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Letts expensive to live in?
Letts 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 $75,625, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,700 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Letts safe?
Public safety is a concern in Letts, with a violent crime rate of 607 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,004 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Letts receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Letts?
Letts 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 38.8 inches, with 31.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Letts?
Letts has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,007. There are 281 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Letts?
The median home value in Letts is $103,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $130,993. For renters, the median monthly rent is $942. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,750.
How are the schools in Letts?
Schools in Letts have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 8.0% of adults in Letts hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.3% have completed high school. 0.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Letts?
The obesity rate in Letts is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,749.
What is transportation like in Letts?
The average commute in Letts is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 97.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Letts?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Letts is 80.6% White, 6% Hispanic or Latino. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
