Median Income
$71,250
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$167,300
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
165/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.3%
2% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$968
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.0%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
44% lower than US avg
How Mediapolis Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,930
Median Age34.7 yrs
Density1,608/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,250
Per Capita$34,748
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty7.0%
County GDP$930M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$167,300
Rent$968
Ownership73.6%
Zillow$213,579
Housing Units901
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent165/100K
Property8,391/100K
Health
Obesity33.0%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking15.0%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation772 ft (235 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.3%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+9.1%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute24 min
Broadband90.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Mediapolis a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mediapolis receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Mediapolis offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mediapolis is $71,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mediapolis is $167,300, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $968 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mediapolis is below the national average at 165 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,391 per 100,000, 328% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Mediapolis experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Mediapolis has a population of 1,930 with a density of 1,608 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 34.7 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.1% female and 50.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.7yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mediapolis vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mediapolis vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mediapolis is $71,250, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,748 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 281 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mediapolis vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,250 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,748 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,697 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 281 |
| County GDP | $930M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.64% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Mediapolis is $167,300, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,579, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $968 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 901 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $2,750 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $167,300 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $213,579 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $117 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.2% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $968 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.4% |
| Housing Units | 901 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.64% |
In Mediapolis, 33.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.9% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,749. The dentist ratio is 1:2,669. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mediapolis vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.0% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.9% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:10,749 |
| Dentists | 1:2,669 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,168 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 68.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Mediapolis has a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 8,391 per 100,000, 328% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mediapolis receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mediapolis vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 165.2/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 8,391.2/100K |
| 328% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mediapolis experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°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 36.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 772 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 772 ft (235 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,608/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0079°N, 91.1637°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Louisa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.2 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
604 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 359 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
13 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
13 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
14 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
13 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
14 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Mediapolis has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Mediapolis. 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 | $602 |
| Preschool | $602 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $451 |
| Preschool | $451 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediapolis
What is the population of Mediapolis?
Mediapolis has a population of 1,930 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,608 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
Is Mediapolis expensive to live in?
Mediapolis 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 $71,250, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $167,300 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $968 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mediapolis safe?
Mediapolis is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,391 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mediapolis receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mediapolis?
Mediapolis has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Mediapolis?
The job market in Mediapolis is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,007. There are 281 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mediapolis?
The median home value in Mediapolis is $167,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $213,579. For renters, the median monthly rent is $968. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,750.
How are the schools in Mediapolis?
Schools in Mediapolis have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 34.3% of adults in Mediapolis hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mediapolis?
The obesity rate in Mediapolis is 33.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,749.
What is transportation like in Mediapolis?
The average commute in Mediapolis is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mediapolis?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mediapolis is 92.2% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
