Median Income
$95,000
26% higher than US avg
Home Value
$130,000
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
22/100K
94% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$720
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.5%
108% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Martelle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population432
Median Age33.7 yrs
Density1,394/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$95,000
Per Capita$31,599
Unemployment7.5%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$21,899M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,000
Rent$720
Ownership84.5%
Zillow$290,363
Housing Units165
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent22/100K
Property1,326/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking15.1%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation908 ft (277 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+98.4%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute28 min
Broadband90.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries12
Is Martelle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Martelle receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Martelle offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Martelle is $95,000, 26% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 7.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Martelle is $130,000, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $720 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
Martelle is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 22 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,326 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Martelle experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Martelle has a population of 432 with a density of 1,394 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 33.7 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (83.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.7yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Martelle is $95,000, which is 26% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,599 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,300. The unemployment rate is 7.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,760 business establishments, including 543 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 12.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $95,000 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,599 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,300 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,771 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.5% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,760 |
| County GDP | $21,899M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 543 |
| Healthcare | 760 |
| Retail | 691 |
| Manufacturing | 202 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,996 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.0% |
The median home value in Martelle is $130,000, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,363, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $720 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 165 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $5,996 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% 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 | $130,000 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $290,363 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $110 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $720 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.5% |
| Housing Units | 165 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,996 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.61% |
In Martelle, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,601. The dentist ratio is 1:1,347. 92.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Martelle vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,601 |
| Dentists | 1:1,347 |
| Mental Health | 1:322 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 69.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,001/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 760 |
Martelle has a violent crime rate of 22 per 100,000 residents, 94% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,326 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 14 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Martelle receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Martelle vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 21.7/100K |
| 94% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,325.5/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Martelle experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 908 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 908 ft (277 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,394/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0204°N, 91.3578°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Linn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0481 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.46 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 11.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
665 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 497 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
86 km |
5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
77 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Martelle has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 20°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Martelle. 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 | $719 |
| Toddler | $619 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $483 |
| Toddler | $475 |
| Preschool | $475 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Martelle
What is the population of Martelle?
Martelle has a population of 432 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,394 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.
Is Martelle expensive to live in?
Martelle 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 $95,000, 26% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,000 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $720 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 Martelle safe?
Martelle is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 22 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,326 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Martelle receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Martelle?
Martelle 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 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Martelle?
The unemployment rate in Martelle is 7.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,300. There are 7,760 business establishments in the area, including 543 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 12.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Martelle?
The median home value in Martelle is $130,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,363. For renters, the median monthly rent is $720. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,996.
How are the schools in Martelle?
Schools in Martelle score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.0% of adults in Martelle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.4% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Martelle?
The obesity rate in Martelle is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,601.
What is transportation like in Martelle?
The average commute in Martelle is 28 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Martelle?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Martelle is 83.3% White, 0.9% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
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