Median Income
$43,281
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$52,500
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
290/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.6%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
30.3%
144% higher than US avg
How Martinsburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population96
Median Age46.4 yrs
Density259/mi²
Male / Female31% / 69%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans75.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$43,281
Per Capita$21,372
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty30.3%
County GDP$443M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$52,500
Ownership88.4%
Zillow$84,874
Housing Units50
Rent Burden45.0%
Crime
F
Violent290/100K
Property4,328/100K
Health
Obesity41.6%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking18.0%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation805 ft (245 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute23 min
Broadband43.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Martinsburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Martinsburg receives an overall livability score of 2.6 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. Martinsburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Martinsburg is $43,281, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 30.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Martinsburg is $52,500, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Martinsburg is below the national average at 290 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,328 per 100,000, 121% above the national average.
Education
6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Martinsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Martinsburg has a population of 96 with a density of 259 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 46.4 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 68.8% female and 31.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 75.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.4yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Martinsburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Martinsburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Martinsburg is $43,281, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,372 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 30.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 316 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.6% of workers work from home.
Income: Martinsburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,281 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,372 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,794 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 30.3% |
| 144% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 316 |
| County GDP | $443M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 56.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.6% |
The median home value in Martinsburg is $52,500, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,874, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 50 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $2,438 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 45.0% 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 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $52,500 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $84,874 |
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 | 88.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.6% |
| Housing Units | 50 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.64% |
In Martinsburg, 41.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.0% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914. The dentist ratio is 1:2,476. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Martinsburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.6% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,914 |
| Dentists | 1:2,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:9,914 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 65.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,349/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Martinsburg has a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,328 per 100,000, 121% above the U.S. average. Overall, Martinsburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Martinsburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.4/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,328.0/100K |
| 121% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Martinsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 805 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 805 ft (245 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 259/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1788°N, 92.2519°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Keokuk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very 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 Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
511 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 279 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
73 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Martinsburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Martinsburg. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $597 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Martinsburg
What is the population of Martinsburg?
Martinsburg has a population of 96 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 259 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 68.8% female and 31.3% male.
Is Martinsburg expensive to live in?
Martinsburg 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 $43,281, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $52,500 (81% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Martinsburg safe?
Martinsburg is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,328 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Martinsburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Martinsburg?
Martinsburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Martinsburg?
The job market in Martinsburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 316 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 14.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Martinsburg?
The median home value in Martinsburg is $52,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $84,874. The homeownership rate is 88.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,438.
How are the schools in Martinsburg?
Schools in Martinsburg score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.7% of adults in Martinsburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Martinsburg?
The obesity rate in Martinsburg is 41.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914.
What is transportation like in Martinsburg?
The average commute in Martinsburg is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 56.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Martinsburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Martinsburg is 92.7% White. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 75.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
