Median Income
$72,083
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,300
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
94/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.2%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$757
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Nora Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,394
Median Age43.8 yrs
Density628/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,083
Per Capita$33,805
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,729M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,300
Rent$757
Ownership81.1%
Zillow$180,981
Housing Units638
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent94/100K
Property3,414/100K
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking14.2%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,090 ft (332 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.2%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 43%
Commute23 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations6
Libraries7
Is Nora Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nora Springs receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Nora Springs offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nora Springs is $72,083, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nora Springs is $126,300, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $757 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Nora Springs is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,414 per 100,000, 74% above the national average.
Education
21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Nora Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Nora Springs has a population of 1,394 with a density of 628 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 43.8 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (95%), with 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.8yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Nora Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Nora Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Nora Springs is $72,083, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,805 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,057, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 1,681 business establishments, including 127 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Nora Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,083 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,805 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,057 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,990 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,681 |
| County GDP | $3,729M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 127 |
| Healthcare | 137 |
| Retail | 211 |
| Manufacturing | 53 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,115 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Nora Springs is $126,300, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,981, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $757 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 638 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $6,115 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,300 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,981 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $757 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.9% |
| Housing Units | 638 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,115 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.84% |
In Nora Springs, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:700. The dentist ratio is 1:1,034. 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nora Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.2% |
| Short Sleep | 31.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:700 |
| Dentists | 1:1,034 |
| Mental Health | 1:288 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 71.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,468/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 137 |
Nora Springs has a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,414 per 100,000, 74% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Nora Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nora Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 94.1/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,414.4/100K |
| 74% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nora Springs experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,090 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.6°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,090 ft (332 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 628/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1441°N, 93.0089°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cerro Gordo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
5% 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 | 69.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.3 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
632 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 53 fatalities, 1,014 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
67 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
43 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
65 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
84 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
58 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
60 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Nora Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Nora Springs. 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 | $690 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $594 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $466 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nora Springs
What is the population of Nora Springs?
Nora Springs has a population of 1,394 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 628 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Nora Springs expensive to live in?
Nora Springs 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 $72,083, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,300 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $757 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nora Springs safe?
Nora Springs is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,414 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Nora Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nora Springs?
Nora Springs has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Nora Springs?
The job market in Nora Springs is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,057. There are 1,681 business establishments in the area, including 127 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nora Springs?
The median home value in Nora Springs is $126,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,981. For renters, the median monthly rent is $757. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,115.
How are the schools in Nora Springs?
Schools in Nora Springs score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.2% of adults in Nora Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nora Springs?
The obesity rate in Nora Springs is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:700.
What is transportation like in Nora Springs?
The average commute in Nora Springs is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nora Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nora Springs is 95% White, 2.4% Black or African American. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.1% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
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