Median Income
$91,250
21% higher than US avg
Home Value
$155,400
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
199/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.9%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,063
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Norway Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population490
Median Age47.2 yrs
Density1,114/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$91,250
Per Capita$43,297
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$12,640M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$155,400
Rent$1,063
Ownership96.1%
Zillow$253,398
Housing Units239
Rent Burden11.3%
Crime
F
Violent199/100K
Property239/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured5.5%
Smoking13.4%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation800 ft (244 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.9%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+0.3%
School Score6.24
Community
2024 VoteR 30% / D 68%
Commute21 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Norway a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Norway receives an overall livability score of 3.3 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. Norway offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Norway is $91,250, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 0.0% 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 Norway is $155,400, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Norway is below the national average at 199 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 239 per 100,000, 88% below the national average.
Education
17.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Norway experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Norway has a population of 490 with a density of 1,114 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 47.2 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (99.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.2yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Norway is $91,250, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,297 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,238, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (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 5,140 business establishments, including 448 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). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $91,250 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,297 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,238 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,456 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,140 |
| County GDP | $12,640M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 448 |
| Healthcare | 493 |
| Retail | 492 |
| Manufacturing | 80 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Norway is $155,400, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,398, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,063 (9% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 239 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $6,982 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 11.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $155,400 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $253,398 |
| Median List Price | $169,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $169,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $98 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,063 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.9% |
| Housing Units | 239 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.49% |
In Norway, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 24.5% report binge drinking. 19.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.4% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 5.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:521. The dentist ratio is 1:424. 89.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Norway vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.5% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.5% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:521 |
| Dentists | 1:424 |
| Mental Health | 1:209 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 71.3% |
| Premature Death | 4,821/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 493 |
Norway has a violent crime rate of 199 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 239 per 100,000, 88% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Norway receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Norway vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 199.1/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 239.0/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Norway experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°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 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 800 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 800 ft (244 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,114/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9022°N, 91.9228°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
634 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 519 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
85 km |
5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
28 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
25 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
17 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
34 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Norway has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Norway. 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 | $765 |
| Toddler | $659 |
| Preschool | $659 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $508 |
| Preschool | $508 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Norway
What is the population of Norway?
Norway has a population of 490 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,114 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Norway expensive to live in?
Norway 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 $91,250, 21% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $155,400 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,063 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Norway safe?
Norway is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 199 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 239 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Norway receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Norway?
Norway has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Norway?
The job market in Norway is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,238. There are 5,140 business establishments in the area, including 448 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Norway?
The median home value in Norway is $155,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,398. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,063. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 96.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,982.
How are the schools in Norway?
Schools in Norway score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.9% of adults in Norway hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. 0.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Norway?
The obesity rate in Norway is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 19.5% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 5.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:521.
What is transportation like in Norway?
The average commute in Norway is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Norway?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Norway is 99.2% White. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 99.6% have health insurance coverage.
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