Median Income
$42,222
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$56,900
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
295/100K
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.5%
90% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$621
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Mystic Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population257
Median Age38.6 yrs
Density87/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans13.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$42,222
Per Capita$21,417
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$518M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$56,900
Rent$621
Ownership80.0%
Zillow$56,794
Housing Units155
Rent Burden34.6%
Crime
F
Violent295/100K
Property4,144/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.7%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation956 ft (291 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.5%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.52
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute19 min
Broadband76.4%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Mystic a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mystic receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Mystic has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mystic is $42,222, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mystic is $56,900, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $621 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 Mystic is below the national average at 295 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,144 per 100,000, 111% above the national average.
Education
3.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Mystic 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 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Mystic has a population of 257 with a density of 87 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 38.6 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (89.5%), with 10.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.6yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Mystic is $42,222, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,417 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $887, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 410 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,222 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,417 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $887 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,195 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 410 |
| County GDP | $518M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,592 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Mystic is $56,900, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $56,794. Monthly rent averages $621 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 155 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,592. 34.6% 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 | $56,900 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $56,794 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $621 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.0% |
| Housing Units | 155 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,592 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.31% |
In Mystic, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,532. The dentist ratio is 1:3,024. 50.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mystic vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,532 |
| Dentists | 1:3,024 |
| Mental Health | 1:808 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,751/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Mystic has a violent crime rate of 295 per 100,000 residents, 22% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,144 per 100,000, 111% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Mystic receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Mystic vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 294.7/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,144.4/100K |
| 111% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Mystic 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 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 956 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 956 ft (291 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 87/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7792°N, 92.9444°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Appanoose County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.6"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively 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
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
435 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 195 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
100 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
73 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 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Mystic has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Mystic. 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 | $671 |
| Toddler | $578 |
| Preschool | $578 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $453 |
| Toddler | $446 |
| Preschool | $446 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mystic
What is the population of Mystic?
Mystic has a population of 257 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 87 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.6 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Mystic expensive to live in?
Mystic 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 $42,222, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $56,900 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $621 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 Mystic safe?
Mystic is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 295 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,144 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Mystic receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Mystic?
Mystic 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 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Mystic?
The unemployment rate in Mystic is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $887. There are 410 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mystic?
The median home value in Mystic is $56,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $56,794. For renters, the median monthly rent is $621. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,592.
How are the schools in Mystic?
Schools in Mystic score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.5% of adults in Mystic hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mystic?
The obesity rate in Mystic is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 50.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,532.
What is transportation like in Mystic?
The average commute in Mystic is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mystic?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mystic is 89.5% White, 10.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.1% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 91.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
