Median Income
$64,615
14% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,800
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
94/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$583
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.9%
85% lower than US avg
How Northwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,170
Median Age46.3 yrs
Density544/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans13.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$64,615
Per Capita$32,680
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty1.9%
County GDP$485M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,800
Rent$583
Ownership81.7%
Zillow$195,241
Housing Units918
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
F
Violent94/100K
Property3,414/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking17.8%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,229 ft (375 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score5.83
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute18 min
Broadband82.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Is Northwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Northwood receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Northwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Northwood is $64,615, 14% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Northwood is $124,800, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $583 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Northwood 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
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Northwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches, including 40.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Northwood has a population of 2,170 with a density of 544 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age is 46.3 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 13.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.3yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Northwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Northwood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Northwood is $64,615, which is 14% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,680 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $893, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 233 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Northwood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,615 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,680 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $893 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,143 |
| Gini Index | 0.403 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.9% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 233 |
| County GDP | $485M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,689 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Northwood is $124,800, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,241, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $583 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 918 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $2,689 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $124,800 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $195,241 |
| Median List Price | $307,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $307,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $79 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.6% |
| Price Drops | 22.2% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $583 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.3% |
| Housing Units | 918 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,689 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.15% |
In Northwood, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.0% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,385. The dentist ratio is 1:7,319. 58.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Northwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,385 |
| Dentists | 1:7,319 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,737/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Northwood 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 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Northwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Northwood 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) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 34 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Northwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. The area receives 40.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,229 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.0°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,229 ft (375 m) |
| Area | 3.8 sq mi (9.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 544/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4441°N, 93.2160°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Worth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very 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: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
595 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 44 fatalities, 950 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
75 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
80 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
37 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
47 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
22 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
4 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
66 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Northwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 13°F in January to 69°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 31.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Northwood. 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 | $681 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $440 |
| Preschool | $440 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Northwood
What is the population of Northwood?
Northwood has a population of 2,170 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 544 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Northwood expensive to live in?
Northwood 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 $64,615, 14% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,800 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $583 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Northwood safe?
Northwood 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, Northwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Northwood?
Northwood has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches, with 40.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Northwood?
Northwood has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $893. There are 233 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Northwood?
The median home value in Northwood is $124,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,241. For renters, the median monthly rent is $583. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,689.
How are the schools in Northwood?
Schools in Northwood score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.5% of adults in Northwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Northwood?
The obesity rate in Northwood is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 58.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,385.
What is transportation like in Northwood?
The average commute in Northwood is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Northwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Northwood is 95.6% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 13.5% of the population are military veterans. 17.1% of residents have a disability. 91.8% have health insurance coverage.
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