Median Income
$94,250
25% higher than US avg
Home Value
$163,800
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.7%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
82% lower than US avg
How Minden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population687
Median Age34.4 yrs
Density1,205/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$94,250
Per Capita$36,803
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty2.2%
County GDP$6,263M
Commute37 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,800
Rent$700
Ownership84.2%
Zillow$289,462
Housing Units242
Rent Burden13.8%
Health
Obesity36.7%
Uninsured3.5%
Smoking15.0%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
Rain34.1 in/yr
Elevation1,274 ft (388 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+99.5%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute37 min
Broadband91.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Minden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Minden receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Minden stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Minden is $94,250, 25% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. Only 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Minden is $163,800, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Minden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches, including 27.3 inches of snow.
Minden has a population of 687 with a density of 1,205 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 34.4 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.4% female and 60.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.1%), with 1.9% Hispanic, 2.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
687
Total Population
2023 Census
34.4yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Minden is $94,250, which is 25% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,803. The average weekly wage is $1,085, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,746 business establishments, including 209 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $94,250 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,803 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,085 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,871 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.2% |
| 82% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,746 |
| County GDP | $6,263M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 209 |
| Healthcare | 220 |
| Retail | 252 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 37.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Minden is $163,800, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,462, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 242 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $5,355 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $163,800 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,462 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.8% |
| Housing Units | 242 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.27% |
In Minden, 36.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 24.7% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 3.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,694. 82.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Minden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.7% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 3.5% |
| 59% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,694 |
| Mental Health | 1:414 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,293/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 220 |
Minden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches. The area receives 27.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,274 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,274 ft (388 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,205/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4694°N, 95.5432°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pottawattamie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.1"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.19"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Dec 17, 2009.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
93 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
118 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
608 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 546 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
82 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
5 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
55 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
18 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
60 km |
4 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
30 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
27 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Minden has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Minden. 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 | $729 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $628 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $492 |
| Toddler | $484 |
| Preschool | $484 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Minden
What is the population of Minden?
Minden has a population of 687 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,205 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.4% female and 60.6% male.
Is Minden expensive to live in?
Minden 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 $94,250, 25% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,800 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Minden?
Minden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.1 inches, with 27.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Minden?
The job market in Minden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,085. There are 2,746 business establishments in the area, including 209 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Minden?
The median home value in Minden is $163,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,462. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,355.
How are the schools in Minden?
Schools in Minden score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in Minden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.5% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Minden?
The obesity rate in Minden is 36.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 3.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Minden?
The average commute in Minden is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Minden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Minden is 95.1% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Asian. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.