Median Income
$43,750
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,100
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
95/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$750
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.2%
41% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.7%
142% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Packwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population484
Median Age37.4 yrs
Density645/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$43,750
Per Capita$19,168
Unemployment8.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$443M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,100
Rent$750
Ownership86.8%
Zillow$148,908
Housing Units156
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
F
Violent95/100K
Property3,016/100K
Health
Obesity45.2%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking17.9%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation812 ft (247 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+81.0%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute20 min
Broadband94.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Packwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Packwood receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Packwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Packwood is $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Packwood is $79,100, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Packwood is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,016 per 100,000, 54% above the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Packwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Packwood has a population of 484 with a density of 645 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 37.4 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.6% female and 43.4% male. The city is predominantly White (98.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.4yrs
Median Age
4% 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 Packwood is $43,750, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,168 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.7% (above 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 316 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,750 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,168 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,794 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.7% |
| 142% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 316 |
| County GDP | $443M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.6% |
| Public Transit | 5.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Packwood is $79,100, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,908, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $750 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 156 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $2,438 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 37.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,100 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,908 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $750 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.2% |
| Housing Units | 156 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.08% |
In Packwood, 45.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 33.3% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.6% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914. The dentist ratio is 1:2,476. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Packwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.2% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.3% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,914 |
| Dentists | 1:2,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:9,914 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,349/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Packwood has a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,016 per 100,000, 54% above the U.S. average. Overall, Packwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Packwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 95.2/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,015.6/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Packwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 812 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 812 ft (247 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 645/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1327°N, 92.0825°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Keokuk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
507 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 316 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
48 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
82 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
83 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Packwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Packwood. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $597 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Packwood
What is the population of Packwood?
Packwood has a population of 484 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 645 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.4 years. The population is 56.6% female and 43.4% male.
Is Packwood expensive to live in?
Packwood 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 $43,750, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,100 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Packwood safe?
Packwood is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,016 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Packwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Packwood?
Packwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Packwood?
The job market in Packwood faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 316 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Packwood?
The median home value in Packwood is $79,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,908. For renters, the median monthly rent is $750. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,438.
How are the schools in Packwood?
Schools in Packwood score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.5% of adults in Packwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.0% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Packwood?
The obesity rate in Packwood is 45.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914.
What is transportation like in Packwood?
The average commute in Packwood is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.6% of workers drive alone to work, 5% use public transit, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Packwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Packwood is 98.1% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
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