Median Income
$42,813
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,500
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
262/100K
31% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.3%
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.7%
99% higher than US avg
How Onslow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population306
Median Age28.0 yrs
Density1,611/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$42,813
Per Capita$20,722
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty24.7%
County GDP$858M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,500
Ownership82.5%
Zillow$198,042
Housing Units124
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent262/100K
Property1,101/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.9%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation926 ft (282 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.3%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score5.59
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute29 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Onslow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Onslow receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Onslow has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Onslow is $42,813, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. The poverty rate of 24.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Onslow is $96,500, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Onslow is below the national average at 262 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,101 per 100,000, 44% below the national average.
Education
14.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Onslow experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches, including 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Onslow has a population of 306 with a density of 1,611 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 28.0 years, 28% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.7% female and 53.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92.2%), with 2.6% Hispanic, 2.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.2% of the population are veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.0yrs
Median Age
28% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Onslow is $42,813, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,722 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $963, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 667 business establishments, including 39 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,813 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,722 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $963 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,129 |
| Gini Index | 0.395 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.7% |
| 99% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 667 |
| County GDP | $858M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 39 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,197 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Onslow is $96,500, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,042, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 124 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,197 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,500 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,042 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $79 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.5% |
| Housing Units | 124 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,197 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.35% |
In Onslow, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.5% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,972. The dentist ratio is 1:2,606. 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Onslow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,972 |
| Dentists | 1:2,606 |
| Mental Health | 1:909 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,993/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Onslow has a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 residents, 31% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,101 per 100,000, 44% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Onslow receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Onslow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 262.1/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,100.6/100K |
| 44% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Onslow experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.3 inches. The area receives 31.1 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 926 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.9°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 926 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,611/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1069°N, 91.0151°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jones County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.3"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively 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)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
662 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 435 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
98 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
29 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ACE AUTO (676 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Onslow has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Onslow. 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 | $661 |
| Toddler | $569 |
| Preschool | $569 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $439 |
| Preschool | $439 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Onslow
What is the population of Onslow?
Onslow has a population of 306 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,611 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.7% female and 53.3% male.
Is Onslow expensive to live in?
Onslow 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 $42,813, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,500 (66% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Onslow safe?
Onslow is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 262 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,101 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Onslow receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Onslow?
Onslow has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.3 inches, with 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Onslow?
The job market in Onslow is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $963. There are 667 business establishments in the area, including 39 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Onslow?
The median home value in Onslow is $96,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,042. The homeownership rate is 82.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,197.
How are the schools in Onslow?
Schools in Onslow score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.3% of adults in Onslow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Onslow?
The obesity rate in Onslow is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,972.
What is transportation like in Onslow?
The average commute in Onslow is 29 minutes. 84.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Onslow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Onslow is 92.2% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
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