Median Income
$68,854
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,100
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
389/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$864
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.4%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
16% lower than US avg
How Marshalltown Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population27,491
Median Age35.7 yrs
Density1,432/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 66%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,854
Per Capita$29,271
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty10.4%
County GDP$2,317M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,100
Rent$864
Ownership66.9%
Zillow$167,755
Housing Units10,926
Rent Burden23.6%
Crime
F
Violent389/100K
Property2,496/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault304/100K
Burglary652/100K
Health
Obesity45.4%
Uninsured14.1%
Smoking16.6%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation897 ft (273 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+82.1%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score4.96
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Commute17 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations7
Libraries7
Is Marshalltown a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Marshalltown receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Marshalltown offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Marshalltown is $68,854, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Marshalltown is $117,100, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $864 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,496 per 100,000, 27% above the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Marshalltown experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 18°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 37.9 inches, including 25.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Marshalltown has a population of 27,491 with a density of 1,432 people per square mile, spread across 19.3 square miles. The median age is 35.7 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.9% female and 51.1% male. The city is predominantly White (66.1%), with 2.4% Hispanic, 2.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 66.6% of residents, while 33.4% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.7yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Marshalltown vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
66.6%
15% below US avg
Spanish
33.4%
149% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Marshalltown vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Marshalltown is $68,854, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,271 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,070, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,026 business establishments, including 83 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Marshalltown vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,854 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,271 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,070 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,742 |
| Gini Index | 0.395 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.4% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,026 |
| County GDP | $2,317M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 83 |
| Healthcare | 101 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,348 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Marshalltown is $117,100, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,755, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $864 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 10,926 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,348 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,100 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,755 |
| Median List Price | $169,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $169,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $116 |
| Homes Sold | 18 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.1% |
| Price Drops | 38.9% |
| Inventory | 36 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $864 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $941 |
| Rent Burden | 23.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.1% |
| Housing Units | 10,926 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,348 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.71% |
In Marshalltown, 45.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 30.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.9% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 14.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,344. The dentist ratio is 1:1,424. 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
4.5
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
4.7
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.5
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.6
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
132.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Marshalltown vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.4% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.1% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 14.1% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,344 |
| Dentists | 1:1,424 |
| Mental Health | 1:440 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,261/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 101 |
Marshalltown has a violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 303.7 per 100,000, robbery at 14.8, rape at 70.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,496 per 100,000, 27% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,648, burglary at 652, vehicle theft at 196 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Marshalltown receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Marshalltown vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 388.9/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 70.4/100K |
| Robbery | 14.8/100K |
| Assault | 303.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,496.1/100K |
| 27% above US avg |
| Burglary | 651.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,648.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 196.3/100K |
| Arson | 44.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 66 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Marshalltown experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°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 37.9 inches. The area receives 25.3 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 897 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 897 ft (273 m) |
| Area | 19.3 sq mi (50.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,432/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0343°N, 92.9063°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marshall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO) 44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
728 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 36 fatalities, 1,016 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
57 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
84 km |
13 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
68 km |
2 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (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 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
57 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
60 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
70 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Marshalltown has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Marshalltown. 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 | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $471 |
| Toddler | $463 |
| Preschool | $463 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marshalltown
What is the population of Marshalltown?
Marshalltown has a population of 27,491 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,432 people per square mile, spread across 19.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
Is Marshalltown expensive to live in?
Marshalltown 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 $68,854, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,100 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $864 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Marshalltown safe?
The violent crime rate in Marshalltown is 389 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 2,496 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Marshalltown receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Marshalltown?
Marshalltown has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°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 37.9 inches, with 25.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Marshalltown?
Marshalltown has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,070. There are 1,026 business establishments in the area, including 83 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Marshalltown?
The median home value in Marshalltown is $117,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,755. For renters, the median monthly rent is $864. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,348.
How are the schools in Marshalltown?
Schools in Marshalltown score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Marshalltown hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.1% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Marshalltown?
The obesity rate in Marshalltown is 45.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 30.1% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 14.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 82.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,344.
What is transportation like in Marshalltown?
The average commute in Marshalltown is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Marshalltown?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Marshalltown is 66.1% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 66.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 33.4% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.