Median Income
$87,500
16% higher than US avg
Home Value
$119,800
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
134/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$638
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
67% lower than US avg
How Nichols Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population393
Median Age33.7 yrs
Density1,709/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$87,500
Per Capita$33,652
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty4.1%
County GDP$3,242M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,800
Rent$638
Ownership82.2%
Zillow$201,193
Housing Units188
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent134/100K
Property886/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking17.4%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation631 ft (192 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+90.5%
Graduate+0.4%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute28 min
Broadband82.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries3
Is Nichols a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nichols receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Nichols offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nichols is $87,500, 16% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 4.1% 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 Nichols is $119,800, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $638 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Nichols is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 886 per 100,000, 55% below the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Nichols 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 43.
Nichols has a population of 393 with a density of 1,709 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 33.7 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.9% female and 46.1% male. The city is predominantly White (86.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.5% of residents, while 21.5% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.7yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.5%
0% below US avg
Spanish
21.5%
60% above US avg
The median household income in Nichols is $87,500, which is 16% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,652 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,223, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 28 minutes. 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,500 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,652 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,223 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,292 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.1% |
| 67% below 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 | 4.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Nichols is $119,800, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,193, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $638 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 188 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,864 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,800 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $201,193 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $638 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.8% |
| Housing Units | 188 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,864 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.06% |
In Nichols, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.5% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. 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.
Health Metrics: Nichols vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,668 |
| Dentists | 1:1,695 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,141 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,717/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 99 |
Nichols has a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 886 per 100,000, 55% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Nichols receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nichols vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 134.3/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 886.1/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nichols 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 43. The city sits at an elevation of 631 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 | 631 ft (192 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,709/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4797°N, 91.3080°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Muscatine County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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)
Tornado History
651 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 276 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
45 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
44 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
87 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
44 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
45 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
44 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Nichols 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 (4.3") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Nichols. 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 Nichols
What is the population of Nichols?
Nichols has a population of 393 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,709 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
Is Nichols expensive to live in?
Nichols 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 $87,500, 16% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,800 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $638 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nichols safe?
Nichols is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 134 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 886 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Nichols receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nichols?
Nichols 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 43.
How is the job market in Nichols?
The job market in Nichols is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / 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 28 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nichols?
The median home value in Nichols is $119,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,193. For renters, the median monthly rent is $638. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,864.
How are the schools in Nichols?
Schools in Nichols score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.6% of adults in Nichols hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.5% have completed high school. 0.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nichols?
The obesity rate in Nichols is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 79.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,668.
What is transportation like in Nichols?
The average commute in Nichols is 28 minutes. 82.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nichols?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nichols is 86.3% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 78.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.5% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
