Median Income
$71,786
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,600
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.5%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Patterson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population293
Median Age40.8 yrs
Density651/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans2.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,786
Per Capita$32,806
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$1,885M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,600
Rent$700
Ownership95.2%
Zillow$283,261
Housing Units139
Rent Burden23.1%
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking12.6%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Elevation877 ft (267 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.5%
High School+88.2%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score6.36
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute28 min
Broadband86.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Patterson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Patterson receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Patterson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Patterson is $71,786, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Patterson is $106,600, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Patterson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches, including 30.7 inches of snow.
Patterson has a population of 293 with a density of 651 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 40.8 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.3% female and 58.7% male. The city is predominantly White (86%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 2.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
293
Total Population
2023 Census
40.8yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Patterson vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Patterson vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Patterson is $71,786, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,806 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $985, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,410 business establishments, including 83 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Patterson vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,786 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,806 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $985 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,680 |
| Gini Index | 0.397 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,410 |
| County GDP | $1,885M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 83 |
| Healthcare | 91 |
| Retail | 108 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,817 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Patterson is $106,600, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,261, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 139 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $5,817 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,600 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $283,261 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.8% |
| Housing Units | 139 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,817 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.46% |
In Patterson, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 12.6% are current smokers. 23.7% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.2% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,618. The dentist ratio is 1:2,716. 76.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Patterson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.6% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.5% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,618 |
| Dentists | 1:2,716 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,450 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 75.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,398/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 91 |
Patterson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches. The area receives 30.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 877 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 877 ft (267 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 651/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3484°N, 93.8776°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Warren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.8"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.99"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 11, 1995.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
670 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 346 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
70 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
30 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
48 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Patterson has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Patterson. 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 | $733 |
| Toddler | $632 |
| Preschool | $632 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $495 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $487 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Patterson
What is the population of Patterson?
Patterson has a population of 293 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 651 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.8 years. The population is 41.3% female and 58.7% male.
Is Patterson expensive to live in?
Patterson 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 $71,786, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $106,600 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Patterson?
Patterson 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 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 34.8 inches, with 30.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Patterson?
The job market in Patterson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $985. There are 1,410 business establishments in the area, including 83 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Patterson?
The median home value in Patterson is $106,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,261. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 95.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,817.
How are the schools in Patterson?
Schools in Patterson score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.5% of adults in Patterson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Patterson?
The obesity rate in Patterson is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.6% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,618.
What is transportation like in Patterson?
The average commute in Patterson is 28 minutes. 89.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Patterson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Patterson is 86% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 2.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.