Median Income
$67,750
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,900
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.6%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$731
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
16% lower than US avg
How Miles Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population392
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density311/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans13.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,750
Per Capita$35,509
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty10.4%
County GDP$907M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,900
Rent$731
Ownership82.5%
Zillow$152,637
Housing Units193
Rent Burden27.1%
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured2.8%
Smoking18.0%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Elevation807 ft (246 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.6%
High School+88.3%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.64
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute27 min
Broadband83.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Miles a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Miles receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Miles offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Miles is $67,750, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. 10.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Miles is $125,900, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Miles experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches, including 31.9 inches of snow.
Miles has a population of 392 with a density of 311 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.2% female and 52.8% male. The city is predominantly White (94.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 13.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
392
Total Population
2023 Census
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Miles is $67,750, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,509. The average weekly wage is $870, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (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 674 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,750 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,509 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $870 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,979 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.4% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 674 |
| County GDP | $907M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 76 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,900 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Miles is $125,900, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $152,637, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $731 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 193 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,900. 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,900 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $152,637 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $731 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.5% |
| Housing Units | 193 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,900 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.10% |
In Miles, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.5% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 2.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,767. The dentist ratio is 1:1,932. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Miles vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.2% |
| Uninsured | 2.8% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,767 |
| Dentists | 1:1,932 |
| Mental Health | 1:879 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 69.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,844/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Miles experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.3 inches. The area receives 31.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 807 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 807 ft (246 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 311/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0481°N, 90.3133°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.52"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
134 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
81 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
626 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 246 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
87 km |
2 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
56 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
8 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Miles has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Miles. 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 | $670 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $452 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Miles
What is the population of Miles?
Miles has a population of 392 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 311 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.2% female and 52.8% male.
Is Miles expensive to live in?
Miles 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 $67,750, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,900 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Miles?
Miles has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.3 inches, with 31.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Miles?
The job market in Miles is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $870. There are 674 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Miles?
The median home value in Miles is $125,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $152,637. For renters, the median monthly rent is $731. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,900.
How are the schools in Miles?
Schools in Miles score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.6% of adults in Miles hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.3% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Miles?
The obesity rate in Miles is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 2.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,767.
What is transportation like in Miles?
The average commute in Miles is 27 minutes. 83.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Miles?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Miles is 94.1% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 13.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 97.2% have health insurance coverage.