Median Income
$56,321
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$151,600
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
364/100K
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.8%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$828
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.4%
48% lower than US avg
How Newton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population15,696
Median Age43.2 yrs
Density1,394/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,321
Per Capita$32,781
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty6.4%
County GDP$1,523M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$151,600
Rent$828
Ownership65.7%
Zillow$196,481
Housing Units7,331
Rent Burden29.8%
Crime
F
Violent364/100K
Property3,858/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault265/100K
Burglary880/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking18.3%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation953 ft (290 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.8%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute22 min
Broadband91.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries8
Is Newton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Newton 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. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Newton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Newton is $56,321, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Newton is $151,600, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $828 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Newton is below the national average at 364 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,858 per 100,000, 97% above the national average.
Education
18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Newton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 19°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 35.1 inches, including 28.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Newton has a population of 15,696 with a density of 1,394 people per square mile, spread across 11.3 square miles. The median age is 43.2 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents, while 7% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.2yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.0%
48% below US avg
The median household income in Newton is $56,321, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,781 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $960, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 984 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,321 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,781 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $960 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,700 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.4% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 984 |
| County GDP | $1,523M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 66 |
| Retail | 96 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,099 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Newton is $151,600, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,481, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $828 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 7,331 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1963. The average annual property tax is $4,099 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $151,600 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $196,481 |
| Median List Price | $188,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $188,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $162 |
| Homes Sold | 16 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.0% |
| Price Drops | 27.8% |
| Inventory | 90 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $828 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $983 |
| Rent Burden | 29.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.3% |
| Housing Units | 7,331 |
| Median Year Built | 1963 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,099 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
In Newton, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,518. The dentist ratio is 1:1,897. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
5.4
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
6.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
3.2
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.7
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
137.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Newton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,518 |
| Dentists | 1:1,897 |
| Mental Health | 1:862 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,112/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 66 |
Newton has a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 residents, 4% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 264.7 per 100,000, robbery at 33.1, rape at 66.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,858 per 100,000, 97% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,832, burglary at 880, vehicle theft at 146 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Newton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Newton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 364.0/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 66.2/100K |
| Robbery | 33.1/100K |
| Assault | 264.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,858.1/100K |
| 97% above US avg |
| Burglary | 880.2/100K |
| Theft | 2,832.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 145.6/100K |
| Arson | 26.5/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 306 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Newton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 19°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 35.1 inches. The area receives 28.7 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 953 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 953 ft (290 m) |
| Area | 11.3 sq mi (29.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,394/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6963°N, 93.0405°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jasper County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.1"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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)
Tornado History
698 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 488 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
96 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
48 km |
2 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
33 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (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 |
24 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
68 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
70 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
79 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Newton has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Newton. 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 | $691 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Newton
What is the population of Newton?
Newton has a population of 15,696 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,394 people per square mile, spread across 11.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Newton expensive to live in?
Newton 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 $56,321, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $151,600 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $828 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Newton safe?
Newton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 364 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,858 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Newton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Newton?
Newton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 35.1 inches, with 28.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Newton?
Newton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $960. There are 984 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Newton?
The median home value in Newton is $151,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $196,481. For renters, the median monthly rent is $828. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,099.
How are the schools in Newton?
Schools in Newton score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.8% of adults in Newton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Newton?
The obesity rate in Newton is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,518.
What is transportation like in Newton?
The average commute in Newton is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Newton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Newton is 90.3% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 93% of residents speak only English at home, while 7% speak Spanish. 8.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
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