Median Income
$106,356
42% higher than US avg
Home Value
$256,900
9% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
45/100K
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
49.5%
47% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$802
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
62% lower than US avg
How Mount Vernon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,551
Median Age23.7 yrs
Density1,220/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$106,356
Per Capita$31,406
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$811M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$256,900
Rent$802
Ownership87.6%
Zillow$335,832
Housing Units1,257
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
F
Violent45/100K
Property652/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary180/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking12.9%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation905 ft (276 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+49.5%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+18.4%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute21 min
Broadband98.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Mount Vernon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mount Vernon receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Mount Vernon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mount Vernon is $106,356, which is significantly higher than the national average / 42% above $75,149. This places Mount Vernon among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mount Vernon is $256,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $802 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Mount Vernon is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 652 per 100,000, 67% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 49.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Mount Vernon 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.
Mount Vernon has a population of 4,551 with a density of 1,220 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 23.7 years, 39% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%), with 1.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.7yrs
Median Age
39% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mount Vernon vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mount Vernon vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mount Vernon is $106,356, which is 42% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,406 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $947, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 588 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 20.6% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Mount Vernon vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $106,356 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,406 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $947 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,774 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.7% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 588 |
| County GDP | $811M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,113 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.6% |
The median home value in Mount Vernon is $256,900, 9% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $335,832, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $802 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,257 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $4,113 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $256,900 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $335,832 |
| Median List Price | $310,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $310,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $154 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.2% |
| Price Drops | 21.4% |
| Inventory | 14 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $802 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,257 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,113 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.60% |
In Mount Vernon, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 26.5% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,137. The dentist ratio is 1:1,840. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mount Vernon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.9% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,137 |
| Dentists | 1:1,840 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,664 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 71.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,019/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Mount Vernon has a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 45.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 652 per 100,000, 67% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 427, burglary at 180, vehicle theft at 45 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mount Vernon receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mount Vernon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 45.0/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 45.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 651.8/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| Burglary | 179.8/100K |
| Theft | 427.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 45.0/100K |
| Arson | 22.5/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mount Vernon 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 905 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 | 905 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,220/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9237°N, 91.4238°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cedar County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.1 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| 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
656 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 468 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
93 km |
5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
94 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
69 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
67 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Mount Vernon has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Mount Vernon. 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 | $722 |
| Toddler | $622 |
| Preschool | $622 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $475 |
| Toddler | $467 |
| Preschool | $467 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Vernon
What is the population of Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon has a population of 4,551 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,220 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Mount Vernon expensive to live in?
Mount Vernon 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 $106,356, 42% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $256,900 (9% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $802 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Mount Vernon safe?
Mount Vernon is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 652 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Mount Vernon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon 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 Mount Vernon?
Mount Vernon has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $947. There are 588 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 20.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mount Vernon?
The median home value in Mount Vernon is $256,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $335,832. For renters, the median monthly rent is $802. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,113.
How are the schools in Mount Vernon?
Schools in Mount Vernon score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 49.5% of adults in Mount Vernon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 18.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mount Vernon?
The obesity rate in Mount Vernon is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,137.
What is transportation like in Mount Vernon?
The average commute in Mount Vernon is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 64% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mount Vernon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mount Vernon is 93.6% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 8.1% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
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