Median Income
$65,500
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$164,500
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
536/100K
41% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$965
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.5%
53% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Panora Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,520
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density840/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans4.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,500
Per Capita$36,327
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$753M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$164,500
Rent$965
Ownership73.5%
Zillow$479,737
Housing Units646
Rent Burden44.4%
Crime
F
Violent536/100K
Property1,962/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking14.4%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,069 ft (326 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.93
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute22 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Panora a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Panora receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Panora offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Panora is $65,500, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Panora is $164,500, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $965 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 536 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,962 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Panora experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Panora has a population of 1,520 with a density of 840 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.9% female and 45.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.9%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 4.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Panora is $65,500, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,327. The average weekly wage is $1,041, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 395 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 19.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,500 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,327 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,854 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.5% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 395 |
| County GDP | $753M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,696 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 19.3% |
The median home value in Panora is $164,500, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $479,737, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $965 (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. 73.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 646 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $5,696 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 44.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $164,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $479,737 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $193 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.8% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $965 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 44.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.5% |
| Housing Units | 646 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,696 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.46% |
In Panora, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,522. The dentist ratio is 1:2,662. 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Panora vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,522 |
| Dentists | 1:2,662 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,574 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,483/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Panora has a violent crime rate of 536 per 100,000 residents, 41% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,962 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Panora receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Panora vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 536.3/100K |
| 41% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,962.5/100K |
| 0% below 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 |
Panora experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,069 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,069 ft (326 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 840/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6911°N, 94.3639°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Guthrie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
141 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
715 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 286 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
39 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
100 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
53 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
62 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Panora has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Panora. 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 | $711 |
| Toddler | $612 |
| Preschool | $612 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Panora
What is the population of Panora?
Panora has a population of 1,520 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 840 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 54.9% female and 45.1% male.
Is Panora expensive to live in?
Panora 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 $65,500, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $164,500 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $965 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Panora safe?
The violent crime rate in Panora is 536 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,962 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Panora receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Panora?
Panora 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 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Panora?
The unemployment rate in Panora is 5.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,041. There are 395 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 19.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Panora?
The median home value in Panora is $164,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $479,737. For renters, the median monthly rent is $965. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,696.
How are the schools in Panora?
Schools in Panora score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.1% of adults in Panora hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Panora?
The obesity rate in Panora is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,522.
What is transportation like in Panora?
The average commute in Panora is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65% of workers drive alone to work, and 19.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Panora?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Panora is 94.9% White, 1.8% Black or African American. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 4.2% of the population are military veterans. 9.4% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
