Median Income
$56,667
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$38,100
86% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.5%
63% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.7%
35% higher than US avg
How Lu Verne Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population315
Median Age24.7 yrs
Density149/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,667
Per Capita$24,115
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty16.7%
County GDP$598M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$38,100
Ownership82.3%
Zillow$141,063
Housing Units135
Rent Burden42.9%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property636/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.6%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,164 ft (355 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.5%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute21 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Lu Verne a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lu Verne receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lu Verne has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lu Verne is $56,667, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. The poverty rate of 16.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lu Verne is $38,100, 86% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lu Verne is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lu Verne experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Lu Verne has a population of 315 with a density of 149 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 24.7 years, 37% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (85.7%), with 3.5% Hispanic, 9.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
24.7yrs
Median Age
37% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Lu Verne is $56,667, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,115 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,014, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 367 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,667 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,115 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,014 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,410 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.7% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 367 |
| County GDP | $598M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,919 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 12.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Lu Verne is $38,100, 86% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,063, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 135 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,919 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 42.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $38,100 |
| 86% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,063 |
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 | 82.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.7% |
| Housing Units | 135 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,919 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 12.91% |
In Lu Verne, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,634. The dentist ratio is 1:2,393. 63.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lu Verne vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,634 |
| Dentists | 1:2,393 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,167 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,220/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Lu Verne has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 636 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lu Verne receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lu Verne vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 254.4/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 635.9/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lu Verne experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,164 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,164 ft (355 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 149/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9095°N, 94.0836°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Humboldt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.8"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.0 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
142 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
84 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
611 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 35 fatalities, 884 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
80 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
37 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
52 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
91 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
12 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Lu Verne has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Lu Verne. 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 | $652 |
| Toddler | $562 |
| Preschool | $562 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $440 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lu Verne
What is the population of Lu Verne?
Lu Verne has a population of 315 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 149 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 24.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Lu Verne expensive to live in?
Lu Verne 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 $56,667, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $38,100 (86% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lu Verne safe?
Lu Verne is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lu Verne receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lu Verne?
Lu Verne has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Lu Verne?
The job market in Lu Verne is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,014. There are 367 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lu Verne?
The median home value in Lu Verne is $38,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,063. The homeownership rate is 82.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,919.
How are the schools in Lu Verne?
Schools in Lu Verne score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.5% of adults in Lu Verne hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lu Verne?
The obesity rate in Lu Verne is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 63.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,634.
What is transportation like in Lu Verne?
The average commute in Lu Verne is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lu Verne?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lu Verne is 85.7% White, 9.5% Black or African American, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.