Median Income
$59,332
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$146,900
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
197/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.2%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$979
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.9%
20% higher than US avg
How Muscatine Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population23,567
Median Age36.7 yrs
Density1,295/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,332
Per Capita$31,057
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty14.9%
County GDP$3,242M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$146,900
Rent$979
Ownership68.7%
Zillow$179,758
Housing Units10,302
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent197/100K
Property1,343/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault164/100K
Burglary298/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured11.1%
Smoking17.6%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation722 ft (220 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.2%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute17 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations10
Libraries3
Is Muscatine a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Muscatine 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Muscatine offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Muscatine is $59,332, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. 14.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Muscatine is $146,900, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $979 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
Violent crime in Muscatine is below the national average at 197 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,343 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Muscatine experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°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 40.0 inches, including 23.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Muscatine has a population of 23,567 with a density of 1,295 people per square mile, spread across 18.2 square miles. The median age is 36.7 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (79.8%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 4.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.7% of residents, while 16.3% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.7yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Muscatine vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.7%
7% above US avg
Spanish
16.3%
22% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Muscatine vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Muscatine is $59,332, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,057 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,223, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Muscatine vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,332 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,057 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,223 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,292 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.9% |
| 20% above 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 | 3.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Muscatine is $146,900, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,758, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $979 (16% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $858 for a one-bedroom to $1,071 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 10,302 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $4,864 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.9% 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 | $146,900 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,758 |
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $175,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $109 |
| Homes Sold | 19 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.7% |
| Price Drops | 32.1% |
| Inventory | 53 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $979 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $950 |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $795 |
| 1 Bedroom | $858 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,071 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,374 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,605 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.3% |
| Housing Units | 10,302 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,864 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.31% |
In Muscatine, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.4% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.5% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above 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.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
5.3
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.5
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
11.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
2.1
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
142.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Muscatine vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,668 |
| Dentists | 1:1,695 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,141 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 62.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,717/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Muscatine has a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 163.7 per 100,000, robbery at 8.4, rape at 25.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,343 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 928, burglary at 298, vehicle theft at 118 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Muscatine receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Muscatine vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 197.3/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 25.2/100K |
| Robbery | 8.4/100K |
| Assault | 163.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,343.2/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| Burglary | 298.0/100K |
| Theft | 927.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 117.5/100K |
| Arson | 16.8/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 34 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Muscatine experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°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 40.0 inches. The area receives 23.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 74% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 722 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 722 ft (220 m) |
| Area | 18.2 sq mi (47.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,295/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4191°N, 91.0679°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Muscatine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 73.5% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
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 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
665 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 281 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
49 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
100 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 |
34 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
34 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
33 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
35 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Muscatine has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Muscatine. 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 Muscatine
What is the population of Muscatine?
Muscatine has a population of 23,567 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,295 people per square mile, spread across 18.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Muscatine expensive to live in?
Muscatine 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 $59,332, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $146,900 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $979 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 Muscatine safe?
Muscatine is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,343 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Muscatine receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Muscatine?
Muscatine has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°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 40.0 inches, with 23.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Muscatine?
The job market in Muscatine is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / 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 17 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Muscatine?
The median home value in Muscatine is $146,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,758. For renters, the median monthly rent is $979. Fair market rent is $858 for a 1-bedroom and $1,071 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,864.
How are the schools in Muscatine?
Schools in Muscatine score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.2% of adults in Muscatine hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Muscatine?
The obesity rate in Muscatine is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above 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 Muscatine?
The average commute in Muscatine is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Muscatine?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Muscatine is 79.8% White, 4.6% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 83.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.3% speak Spanish. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
