Median Income
$81,771
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$89,700
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
276/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.5%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Matlock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population140
Median Age57.9 yrs
Density368/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,771
Per Capita$55,346
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$602M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,700
Ownership96.7%
Zillow$274,894
Housing Units63
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent276/100K
Property1,697/100K
Health
Obesity31.5%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking13.6%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,405 ft (428 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+96.3%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute16 min
Broadband61.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Matlock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Matlock receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Matlock offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Matlock is $81,771, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Matlock is $89,700, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Matlock is below the national average at 276 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Matlock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°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 31.1 inches, including 40.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Matlock has a population of 140 with a density of 368 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 57.9 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (97.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.9yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Matlock is $81,771, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $55,346 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $959, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (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 272 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,771 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $55,346 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $959 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,321 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 272 |
| County GDP | $602M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 28 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.0% |
The median home value in Matlock is $89,700, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,894, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 63 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. The average annual property tax is $2,900 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,700 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $274,894 |
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 | 96.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.3% |
| Housing Units | 63 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.23% |
In Matlock, 31.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 21.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.5% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,080. The dentist ratio is 1:6,036. 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Matlock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.5% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.1% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 25.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,080 |
| Dentists | 1:6,036 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,978 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,292/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Matlock has a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,697 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Matlock receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Matlock vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 276.2/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,696.9/100K |
| 13% 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 |
Matlock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°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 31.1 inches. The area receives 40.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,405 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,405 ft (428 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 368/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2443°N, 95.9344°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Osceola County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.1"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very 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 |
82 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
640 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 7 fatalities, 198 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
3 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1968 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Matlock has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Matlock. 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 | $689 |
| Toddler | $593 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $457 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Matlock
What is the population of Matlock?
Matlock has a population of 140 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 368 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Matlock expensive to live in?
Matlock 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 $81,771, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,700 (68% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Matlock safe?
Matlock is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 276 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Matlock receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Matlock?
Matlock has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°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 31.1 inches, with 40.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Matlock?
The job market in Matlock is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $959. There are 272 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 14.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Matlock?
The median home value in Matlock is $89,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,894. The homeownership rate is 96.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,900.
How are the schools in Matlock?
Schools in Matlock score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.2% of adults in Matlock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Matlock?
The obesity rate in Matlock is 31.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 21.1% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,080.
What is transportation like in Matlock?
The average commute in Matlock is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Matlock?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Matlock is 97.1% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.3% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
