Median Income
$66,058
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$448,800
59% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
121/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.0%
19% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$961
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.1%
91% lower than US avg
How Orleans Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population593
Median Age57.7 yrs
Density525/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,058
Per Capita$58,542
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty1.1%
County GDP$1,529M
Commute19 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$448,800
Rent$961
Ownership89.3%
Zillow$633,456
Housing Units655
Rent Burden17.7%
Crime
F
Violent121/100K
Property2,111/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured5.6%
Smoking12.8%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain29.1 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,420 ft (433 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.0%
High School+86.4%
Graduate+11.9%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute19 min
Broadband90.3%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Orleans a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Orleans receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Orleans offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Orleans is $66,058, 12% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Orleans is $448,800, making it a premium housing market at 59% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $961 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.8x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Orleans is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,111 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 86.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Orleans experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.1 inches, including 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Orleans has a population of 593 with a density of 525 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 57.7 years, 48% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58% female and 42% male. The city is predominantly White (85.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.4% of residents, while 18.6% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
57.7yrs
Median Age
48% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.4%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.6%
39% above US avg
The median household income in Orleans is $66,058, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $58,542 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $897, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 958 business establishments, including 107 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,058 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $58,542 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $99,626 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.1% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 958 |
| County GDP | $1,529M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 107 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 107 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,645 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Orleans is $448,800, 59% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $633,456, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $961 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 655 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $7,645 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.8x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $448,800 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $633,456 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $961 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.7% |
| Housing Units | 655 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,645 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.70% |
In Orleans, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 12.8% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.8% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,190. The dentist ratio is 1:1,387. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Orleans vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.6% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,190 |
| Dentists | 1:1,387 |
| Mental Health | 1:860 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 73.2% |
| Premature Death | 4,872/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Orleans has a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,111 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Orleans receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Orleans vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 120.6/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,111.0/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Orleans experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 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 29.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.5 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 1,420 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,420 ft (433 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 525/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4527°N, 95.0859°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dickinson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
77 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.1"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
70 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
537 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 386 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
96 km |
9 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
100 km |
3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
32 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Orleans has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Orleans. 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 | $717 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $484 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Orleans
What is the population of Orleans?
Orleans has a population of 593 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 525 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58% female and 42% male.
Is Orleans expensive to live in?
Orleans 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 $66,058, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $448,800 (59% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $961 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Orleans safe?
Orleans is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,111 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Orleans receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Orleans?
Orleans 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 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.1 inches, with 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Orleans?
Orleans has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 958 business establishments in the area, including 107 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Orleans?
The median home value in Orleans is $448,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $633,456. For renters, the median monthly rent is $961. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.3%. The average annual property tax is $7,645.
How are the schools in Orleans?
Schools in Orleans score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.0% of adults in Orleans hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 86.4% have completed high school. 11.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Orleans?
The obesity rate in Orleans is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.8% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 5.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,190.
What is transportation like in Orleans?
The average commute in Orleans is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Orleans?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Orleans is 85.3% White. 81.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.6% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability. 81.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
