Median Income
$59,216
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$145,600
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
137/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.5%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$773
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.0%
3% lower than US avg
How Mount Pleasant Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,093
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density1,054/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,216
Per Capita$28,670
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty12.0%
County GDP$1,154M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,600
Rent$773
Ownership65.1%
Zillow$183,817
Housing Units3,766
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent137/100K
Property1,772/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault137/100K
Burglary434/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking17.2%
Depression20.3%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation726 ft (221 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.5%
High School+87.1%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute14 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Mount Pleasant a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mount Pleasant receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Mount Pleasant offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mount Pleasant is $59,216, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 12.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average 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 Mount Pleasant is $145,600, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Mount Pleasant is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,772 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
23.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Mount Pleasant 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 38.5 inches, including 24.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Mount Pleasant has a population of 9,093 with a density of 1,054 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.7% female and 56.3% male. The city is predominantly White (81.7%), with 2.2% Hispanic, 5.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.5% of residents, while 9.5% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mount Pleasant vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.5%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.5%
29% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mount Pleasant vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mount Pleasant is $59,216, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,670 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,008, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 638 business establishments, including 36 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). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mount Pleasant vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,216 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,670 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,008 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,859 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,154M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,335 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Mount Pleasant is $145,600, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,817, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $773 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,766 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $4,335 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,600 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,817 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $773 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.9% |
| Housing Units | 3,766 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,335 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.98% |
In Mount Pleasant, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 20.3% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699. The dentist ratio is 1:1,554. 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mount Pleasant vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 20.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,699 |
| Dentists | 1:1,554 |
| Mental Health | 1:782 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,888/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Mount Pleasant has a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 137.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,772 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,257, burglary at 434, vehicle theft at 80 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mount Pleasant receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mount Pleasant vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 137.2/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 137.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,771.6/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
| Burglary | 434.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,257.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 80.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 42 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mount Pleasant 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 38.5 inches. The area receives 24.8 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 726 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 726 ft (221 m) |
| Area | 8.5 sq mi (22.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,054/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9622°N, 91.5472°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.5"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
526 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 258 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
62 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
68 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 |
42 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
41 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
41 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Mount Pleasant has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant
What is the population of Mount Pleasant?
Mount Pleasant has a population of 9,093 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,054 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.7% female and 56.3% male.
Is Mount Pleasant expensive to live in?
Mount Pleasant 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 $59,216, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $145,600 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mount Pleasant safe?
Mount Pleasant is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 137 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,772 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mount Pleasant receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mount Pleasant?
Mount Pleasant 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 38.5 inches, with 24.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Mount Pleasant?
The job market in Mount Pleasant is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,008. There are 638 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mount Pleasant?
The median home value in Mount Pleasant is $145,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,817. For renters, the median monthly rent is $773. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,335.
How are the schools in Mount Pleasant?
Schools in Mount Pleasant score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.5% of adults in Mount Pleasant hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mount Pleasant?
The obesity rate in Mount Pleasant is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 20.3% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699.
What is transportation like in Mount Pleasant?
The average commute in Mount Pleasant is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mount Pleasant?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mount Pleasant is 81.7% White, 5.4% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 90.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.5% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.