Median Income
$86,667
15% higher than US avg
Home Value
$183,000
35% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
499/100K
31% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.6%
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Luther Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population130
Median Age54.6 yrs
Density220/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans13.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$86,667
Per Capita$37,945
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$63,823M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$183,000
Ownership86.5%
Zillow$275,847
Housing Units70
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent499/100K
Property1,901/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking13.2%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,095 ft (334 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.6%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute25 min
Broadband52.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries19
Is Luther a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Luther receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Luther offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Luther is $86,667, 15% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Luther is $183,000, 35% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 499 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,901 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Luther 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 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Luther has a population of 130 with a density of 220 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 54.6 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (99.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 13.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.6yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Luther is $86,667, which is 15% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,945. The average weekly wage is $1,395. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below 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 20,581 business establishments, including 1,227 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. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $86,667 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,945 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,395 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,610 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 20,581 |
| County GDP | $63,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,227 |
| Healthcare | 1,513 |
| Retail | 1,606 |
| Manufacturing | 341 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.79% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Luther is $183,000, 35% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,847, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 90.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 70 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,943 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $183,000 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $275,847 |
| Median List Price | $150,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $150,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $186 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 90.8% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
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 | 86.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.5% |
| Housing Units | 70 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.79% |
In Luther, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 24.4% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.8% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073. The dentist ratio is 1:1,259. 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Luther vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,073 |
| Dentists | 1:1,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:285 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,653/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,513 |
Luther has a violent crime rate of 499 per 100,000 residents, 31% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,901 per 100,000, 3% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Luther receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Luther vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 498.9/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,900.7/100K |
| 3% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Luther 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 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,095 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,095 ft (334 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 220/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9669°N, 93.8176°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0449 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.2 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
738 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 29 fatalities, 560 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
6 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
94 km |
6 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
93 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
88 km |
6 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
98 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
31 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
62 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Luther has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Luther. 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 | $768 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $662 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $507 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Luther
What is the population of Luther?
Luther has a population of 130 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 220 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Luther expensive to live in?
Luther 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 $86,667, 15% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $183,000 (35% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Luther safe?
The violent crime rate in Luther is 499 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,901 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Luther receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Luther?
Luther 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 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Luther?
The job market in Luther is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,395. There are 20,581 business establishments in the area, including 1,227 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Luther?
The median home value in Luther is $183,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $275,847. The homeownership rate is 86.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,943.
How are the schools in Luther?
Schools in Luther score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.6% of adults in Luther hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Luther?
The obesity rate in Luther is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073.
What is transportation like in Luther?
The average commute in Luther is 25 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Luther?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Luther is 99.2% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 13.8% of the population are military veterans. 28.1% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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