Median Income
$63,500
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$90,300
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
165/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.5%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$875
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Morning Sun Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population733
Median Age43.9 yrs
Density940/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,500
Per Capita$32,349
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$930M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$90,300
Rent$875
Ownership89.1%
Zillow$166,447
Housing Units303
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent165/100K
Property8,391/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking16.7%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation750 ft (229 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.5%
High School+88.9%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute24 min
Broadband83.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Morning Sun a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Morning Sun receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Morning Sun offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Morning Sun is $63,500, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Morning Sun is $90,300, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Morning Sun 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
11.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Morning Sun 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.
Morning Sun has a population of 733 with a density of 940 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 43.9 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%), with 4.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.9yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Morning Sun vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Morning Sun vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Morning Sun is $63,500, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,349 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% 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. 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Morning Sun vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,500 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,349 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,697 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% 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 | 3.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Morning Sun is $90,300, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,447, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $875 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 303 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $2,750 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,300 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $166,447 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $875 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.9% |
| Housing Units | 303 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,750 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.05% |
In Morning Sun, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 22.4% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Morning Sun vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:10,749 |
| Dentists | 1:2,669 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,168 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,584/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Morning Sun 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, Morning Sun receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Morning Sun 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 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Morning Sun 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 750 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 | 750 ft (229 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 940/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0941°N, 91.2506°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Louisa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.25"
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
594 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 279 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
100 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 |
14 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
13 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
13 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
13 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
13 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Morning Sun has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Morning Sun. 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 Morning Sun
What is the population of Morning Sun?
Morning Sun has a population of 733 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 940 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Morning Sun expensive to live in?
Morning Sun 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 $63,500, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $90,300 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Morning Sun safe?
Morning Sun 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, Morning Sun receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Morning Sun?
Morning Sun 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 Morning Sun?
The job market in Morning Sun is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 1.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Morning Sun?
The median home value in Morning Sun is $90,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,447. For renters, the median monthly rent is $875. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,750.
How are the schools in Morning Sun?
Schools in Morning Sun have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.5% of adults in Morning Sun hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.9% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Morning Sun?
The obesity rate in Morning Sun is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 59.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,749.
What is transportation like in Morning Sun?
The average commute in Morning Sun is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 92.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Morning Sun?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Morning Sun is 92.9% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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