Median Income
$68,676
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,500
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.0%
26% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$694
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
66% lower than US avg
How Mount Ayr Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,739
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density644/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,676
Per Capita$33,414
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty4.2%
County GDP$234M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,500
Rent$694
Ownership69.5%
Zillow$136,132
Housing Units884
Rent Burden31.1%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property1,872/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.5%
Depression23.3%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,233 ft (376 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.0%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score6.06
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute22 min
Broadband84.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Mount Ayr a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mount Ayr receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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. Mount Ayr offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mount Ayr is $68,676, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mount Ayr is $144,500, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $694 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Mount Ayr is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
25.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Mount Ayr experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°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 37.0 inches, including 20.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Mount Ayr has a population of 1,739 with a density of 644 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (96.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mount Ayr vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.0%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mount Ayr vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mount Ayr is $68,676, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,414 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $889, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 182 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mount Ayr vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,676 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,414 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $889 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,255 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 182 |
| County GDP | $234M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,583 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.2% |
The median home value in Mount Ayr is $144,500, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,132. Monthly rent averages $694 (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. 69.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 884 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $6,583 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,500 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,132 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $694 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.5% |
| Housing Units | 884 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,583 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.56% |
In Mount Ayr, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 23.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:928. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mount Ayr vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 23.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:928 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,711/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Mount Ayr has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,872 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Mount Ayr receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mount Ayr vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 265.7/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,872.5/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.7 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mount Ayr experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°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 37.0 inches. The area receives 20.5 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 1,233 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.6°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,233 ft (376 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (6.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 644/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7141°N, 94.2372°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ringgold County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.0"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
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: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
65 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
127 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
546 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 25 fatalities, 265 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
91 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
62 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
58 km |
6 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
37 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Mount Ayr has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Mount Ayr. 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 | $684 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $589 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $449 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Ayr
What is the population of Mount Ayr?
Mount Ayr has a population of 1,739 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 644 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Mount Ayr expensive to live in?
Mount Ayr 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 $68,676, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,500 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $694 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mount Ayr safe?
Mount Ayr is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mount Ayr receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mount Ayr?
Mount Ayr has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°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 37.0 inches, with 20.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Mount Ayr?
The job market in Mount Ayr is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $889. There are 182 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 10.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mount Ayr?
The median home value in Mount Ayr is $144,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,132. For renters, the median monthly rent is $694. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,583.
How are the schools in Mount Ayr?
Schools in Mount Ayr score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.0% of adults in Mount Ayr hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mount Ayr?
The obesity rate in Mount Ayr is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 23.3% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:928.
What is transportation like in Mount Ayr?
The average commute in Mount Ayr is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mount Ayr?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mount Ayr is 96.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 95% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
