Median Income
$120,489
60% higher than US avg
Home Value
$216,200
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
249/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.0%
94% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Moscow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population494
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density415/mi²
Male / Female68% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$120,489
Per Capita$45,557
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,242M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$216,200
Ownership68.0%
Zillow$245,830
Housing Units189
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent249/100K
Property570/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking16.2%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation640 ft (195 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.0%
High School+96.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute23 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Moscow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Moscow receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Moscow offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Moscow is $120,489, which is significantly higher than the national average / 60% above $75,149. This places Moscow among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Moscow is $216,200, 23% 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
Violent crime in Moscow is below the national average at 249 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 570 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.
Education
2.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Moscow experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Moscow has a population of 494 with a density of 415 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 32.2% female and 67.8% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 34.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Moscow is $120,489, which is 60% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,557 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,223, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,233 business establishments, including 105 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $120,489 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,557 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,223 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,292 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,233 |
| County GDP | $3,242M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 105 |
| Healthcare | 99 |
| Retail | 128 |
| Manufacturing | 60 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,864 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Moscow is $216,200, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,830, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 72.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 189 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1942. The average annual property tax is $4,864 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% 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 | $216,200 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $245,830 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $125 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 72.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.0% |
| Housing Units | 189 |
| Median Year Built | 1942 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,864 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.25% |
In Moscow, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 24.5% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,668. The dentist ratio is 1:1,695. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Moscow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,668 |
| Dentists | 1:1,695 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,141 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 69.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,717/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Moscow has a violent crime rate of 249 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 570 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Moscow receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Moscow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 249.2/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 569.6/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Moscow experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°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 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 640 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 640 ft (195 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 415/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5707°N, 91.0743°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Muscatine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.53 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
663 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 292 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
33 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
51 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
52 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Moscow has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Moscow. 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 | $724 |
| Toddler | $624 |
| Preschool | $624 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $488 |
| Toddler | $480 |
| Preschool | $480 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Moscow
What is the population of Moscow?
Moscow has a population of 494 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 415 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 32.2% female and 67.8% male.
Is Moscow expensive to live in?
Moscow 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 $120,489, 60% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $216,200 (23% 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 Moscow safe?
Moscow is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 249 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 570 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Moscow receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Moscow?
Moscow has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Moscow?
The job market in Moscow is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,223. There are 1,233 business establishments in the area, including 105 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Moscow?
The median home value in Moscow is $216,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,830. The homeownership rate is 68.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,864.
How are the schools in Moscow?
Schools in Moscow score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.0% of adults in Moscow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Moscow?
The obesity rate in Moscow is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,668.
What is transportation like in Moscow?
The average commute in Moscow is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Moscow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Moscow is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 34.7% of residents have a disability. 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
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