Median Income
$31,538
58% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,500
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
217/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.3%
84% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.4%
217% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Macksburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population54
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density27/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans42.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$31,538
Per Capita$41,594
Unemployment11.4%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$684M
Commute44 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,500
Ownership75.0%
Zillow$229,304
Housing Units35
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent217/100K
Property1,598/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking16.0%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,262 ft (385 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.3%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute44 min
Broadband28.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Macksburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Macksburg receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, long commute times. Macksburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Macksburg is $31,538, 58% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.4%, unemployment is notably high. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Macksburg is $92,500, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Macksburg is below the national average at 217 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,598 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Macksburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°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 34.8 inches, including 30.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Macksburg has a population of 54 with a density of 27 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 42.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Macksburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Macksburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Macksburg is $31,538, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,594. The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 566 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Macksburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,538 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,594 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,906 |
| Gini Index | 0.370 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.4% |
| 217% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 566 |
| County GDP | $684M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,857 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Macksburg is $92,500, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,304, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 35 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,857 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,500 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $229,304 |
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 | 75.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.0% |
| Housing Units | 35 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,857 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.33% |
In Macksburg, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 24.0% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,864. The dentist ratio is 1:2,839. 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Macksburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,864 |
| Dentists | 1:2,839 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,414 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 70.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,015/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Macksburg has a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,598 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Macksburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Macksburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 217.1/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,598.3/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Macksburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°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 34.8 inches. The area receives 30.7 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 1,262 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,262 ft (385 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 27/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2147°N, 94.1851°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.8"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively 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: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Jul 16, 2004.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
102 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
655 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 366 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
50 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
72 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
3 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
89 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
74 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Macksburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Macksburg. 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 | $730 |
| Toddler | $629 |
| Preschool | $629 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $492 |
| Toddler | $484 |
| Preschool | $484 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Macksburg
What is the population of Macksburg?
Macksburg has a population of 54 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 27 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Macksburg expensive to live in?
Macksburg 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 $31,538, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,500 (67% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Macksburg safe?
Macksburg is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,598 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Macksburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Macksburg?
Macksburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°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 34.8 inches, with 30.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Macksburg?
The job market in Macksburg faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 566 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 44 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Macksburg?
The median home value in Macksburg is $92,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,304. The homeownership rate is 75.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,857.
How are the schools in Macksburg?
Schools in Macksburg score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.3% of adults in Macksburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Macksburg?
The obesity rate in Macksburg is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,864.
What is transportation like in Macksburg?
The average commute in Macksburg is 44 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Macksburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Macksburg is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 42.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
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