Onawa, IA
Full City Profile · Iowa · Thurston County County
3.8
/5.0
B+
Good
2,862
Population
543/sq mi density
$54,659
Median Income
$28,674 per capita
$125,700
Home Value
$159,191 Zillow
$1,005
Median Rent
30.7% income on rent
49°F
Avg Temperature
B+
Overall
3.8 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.1 / 5.0
$54,659 median income, 1.3% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$125,700 home value, $1,005/mo rent
C
Education
2.3 / 5.0
16.7% bachelor's degree or higher
Onawa 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. Annual precipitation totals 29.9 inches. The area receives 31.0 inches of snow annually.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg | |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,049 ft (320 m) |
| Area | 5.2 sq mi (13.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 543/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0265°N, 96.0909°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Thurston County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX) 30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Very Low |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather | Very Low |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Relatively Low |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Low |
| Landslide | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.5 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 24°F (-4°C) | 0.8 in | |
| March | 37°F (3°C) | 1.6 in | |
| April | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3 in | |
| May | 61°F (16°C) | 4.6 in | Wettest |
| June | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 in | |
| July | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 in | Warmest |
| August | 72°F (22°C) | 4.1 in | |
| September | 64°F (18°C) | 3.0 in | |
| October | 51°F (11°C) | 2.3 in | |
| November | 36°F (2°C) | 1.5 in | |
| December | 24°F (-4°C) | 0.7 in |
Onawa has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.5").