Median Income
$66,406
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,300
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
471/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$717
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.2%
11% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How Newell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population924
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density733/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,406
Per Capita$30,494
Unemployment3.2%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$1,938M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,300
Rent$717
Ownership73.6%
Zillow$171,274
Housing Units321
Rent Burden19.4%
Crime
F
Violent471/100K
Property2,006/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking14.6%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,257 ft (383 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+90.3%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute21 min
Broadband86.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Newell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Newell receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Newell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Newell is $66,406, 12% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.7% 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 Newell is $106,300, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $717 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,006 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Newell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Newell has a population of 924 with a density of 733 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.9% female and 56.1% male. The city is predominantly White (89%), with 2.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Newell is $66,406, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,494 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 610 business establishments, including 38 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). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,406 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,494 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,827 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.2% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 610 |
| County GDP | $1,938M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 48 |
| Retail | 82 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,292 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Newell is $106,300, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,274, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $717 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 321 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $5,292 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,300 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,274 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $717 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.4% |
| Housing Units | 321 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,292 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.98% |
In Newell, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.0% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,888. The dentist ratio is 1:1,585. 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Newell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,888 |
| Dentists | 1:1,585 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,285 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,218/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 48 |
Newell has a violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,006 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Newell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Newell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 471.4/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,005.7/100K |
| 2% 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 |
Newell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,257 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,257 ft (383 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 733/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6097°N, 95.0040°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buena Vista County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
25 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
586 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 196 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
33 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Newell has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Newell. 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 | $682 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $460 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Newell
What is the population of Newell?
Newell has a population of 924 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 733 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 43.9% female and 56.1% male.
Is Newell expensive to live in?
Newell 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 $66,406, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,300 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $717 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Newell safe?
The violent crime rate in Newell is 471 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,006 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Newell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Newell?
Newell has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Newell?
Newell has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 610 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Newell?
The median home value in Newell is $106,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,274. For renters, the median monthly rent is $717. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,292.
How are the schools in Newell?
Schools in Newell have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.9% of adults in Newell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.3% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Newell?
The obesity rate in Newell is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,888.
What is transportation like in Newell?
The average commute in Newell is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Newell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Newell is 89% White, 2.8% Black or African American. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.5% of residents have a disability. 96.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
