Median Income
$60,313
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,300
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
159/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$782
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Murray Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population648
Median Age30.1 yrs
Density810/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,313
Per Capita$32,508
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$639M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,300
Rent$782
Ownership83.1%
Zillow$160,330
Housing Units294
Rent Burden21.3%
Crime
F
Violent159/100K
Property1,746/100K
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking19.7%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,217 ft (371 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score5.31
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute28 min
Broadband83.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Murray a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Murray receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Murray offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Murray is $60,313, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Murray is $76,300, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $782 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Murray is below the national average at 159 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Murray experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches, including 28.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Murray has a population of 648 with a density of 810 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 30.1 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 52.9% male. The city is predominantly White (88.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.8% of residents, while 11.2% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.1yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.8%
13% above US avg
Spanish
11.2%
16% below US avg
The median household income in Murray is $60,313, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,508 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 248 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,313 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,508 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,534 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 248 |
| County GDP | $639M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 29 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,650 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Murray is $76,300, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,330, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $782 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 294 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $4,650 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,300 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,330 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $782 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.9% |
| Housing Units | 294 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,650 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.09% |
In Murray, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 19.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.0% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 23.0% report depression. 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,957. The dentist ratio is 1:3,231. 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Murray vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.7% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,957 |
| Dentists | 1:3,231 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,794 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,721/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 29 |
Murray has a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,746 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Murray receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Murray vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 158.7/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,745.7/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Murray experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 38.7 inches. The area receives 28.1 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 1,217 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.8°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,217 ft (371 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 810/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0413°N, 93.9488°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clarke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.3 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Jul 16, 2004.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
615 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 400 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
84 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
30 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
81 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
49 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Murray has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Murray. 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 | $661 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $439 |
| Preschool | $439 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Murray
What is the population of Murray?
Murray has a population of 648 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 810 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.1% female and 52.9% male.
Is Murray expensive to live in?
Murray 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 $60,313, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,300 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $782 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Murray safe?
Murray is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Murray receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Murray?
Murray 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 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.7 inches, with 28.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Murray?
The job market in Murray is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 248 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Murray?
The median home value in Murray is $76,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,330. For renters, the median monthly rent is $782. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,650.
How are the schools in Murray?
Schools in Murray score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.4% of adults in Murray hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Murray?
The obesity rate in Murray is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.7% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,957.
What is transportation like in Murray?
The average commute in Murray is 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Murray?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Murray is 88.1% White. 88.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.2% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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