Median Income
$66,250
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,200
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
55/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.1%
94% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Mitchell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population134
Median Age41.9 yrs
Density239/mi²
Male / Female58% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans76.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,250
Per Capita$36,763
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$995M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,200
Ownership96.6%
Zillow$197,874
Housing Units51
Rent Burden22.9%
Crime
F
Violent55/100K
Property1,127/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking15.2%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,192 ft (363 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.1%
High School+79.2%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score6.16
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute14 min
Broadband58.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Mitchell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mitchell receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 high obesity rates. Mitchell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mitchell is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mitchell is $119,200, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Mitchell is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,127 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
2.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Mitchell 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 37.6 inches, including 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Mitchell has a population of 134 with a density of 239 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 41.9 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.5% female and 57.5% male. The city is predominantly White (99.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 76.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.9yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Mitchell is $66,250, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,763. The average weekly wage is $1,037, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 372 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,250 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,763 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,037 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,504 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 372 |
| County GDP | $995M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 48 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,595 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Mitchell is $119,200, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,874, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $774 for a one-bedroom to $919 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 51 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,595. 22.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,200 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $197,874 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $682 |
| 1 Bedroom | $774 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $919 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,156 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,227 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.4% |
| Housing Units | 51 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,595 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.02% |
In Mitchell, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 23.8% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 21.0% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,518. The dentist ratio is 1:2,106. 72.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mitchell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,518 |
| Dentists | 1:2,106 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,183/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Mitchell has a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,127 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mitchell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mitchell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 55.0/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,127.3/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mitchell 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 37.6 inches. The area receives 39.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,192 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.3°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,192 ft (363 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 239/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3202°N, 92.8711°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mitchell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
594 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 52 fatalities, 1,030 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
86 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
64 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
86 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
75 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
53 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
6 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
41 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Mitchell has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Mitchell. 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 | $667 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $443 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mitchell
What is the population of Mitchell?
Mitchell has a population of 134 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 239 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.5% female and 57.5% male.
Is Mitchell expensive to live in?
Mitchell 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 $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,200 (58% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mitchell safe?
Mitchell is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,127 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mitchell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mitchell?
Mitchell 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 37.6 inches, with 39.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Mitchell?
The job market in Mitchell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,037. There are 372 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mitchell?
The median home value in Mitchell is $119,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,874. The homeownership rate is 96.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,595.
How are the schools in Mitchell?
Schools in Mitchell score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.1% of adults in Mitchell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.2% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mitchell?
The obesity rate in Mitchell is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 72.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,518.
What is transportation like in Mitchell?
The average commute in Mitchell is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mitchell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mitchell is 99.3% White. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 76.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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