Median Income
$81,201
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$259,600
8% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
97/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
47.8%
42% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,041
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.7%
81% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
90% lower than US avg
How Pella Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,624
Median Age35.1 yrs
Density1,137/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans4.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,201
Per Capita$42,262
Unemployment0.7%
Poverty1.3%
County GDP$1,192M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$259,600
Rent$1,041
Ownership62.6%
Zillow$349,159
Housing Units4,104
Rent Burden26.8%
Crime
F
Violent97/100K
Property1,239/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault19/100K
Burglary68/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured5.5%
Smoking12.0%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation874 ft (266 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+47.8%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+16.1%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute13 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Pella a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pella receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Pella offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pella is $81,201, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.7%. Only 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pella is $259,600, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,041 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Pella is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,239 per 100,000, 37% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 47.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Pella experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Pella has a population of 10,624 with a density of 1,137 people per square mile, spread across 8.7 square miles. The median age is 35.1 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.1yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.2%
61% below US avg
The median household income in Pella is $81,201, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,262. The average weekly wage is $1,067, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 625 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,201 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,262 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,067 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,144 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.7% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 625 |
| County GDP | $1,192M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,289 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Pella is $259,600, 8% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $349,159, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101.2% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,041 (10% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,104 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,289 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $259,600 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $349,159 |
| Median List Price | $383,750 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $383,750 |
| $/Sq Ft | $259 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.2% |
| Price Drops | 9.5% |
| Inventory | 42 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,041 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,170 |
| Rent Burden | 26.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.4% |
| Housing Units | 4,104 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,289 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.65% |
In Pella, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 12.0% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 19.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.5% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,374. The dentist ratio is 1:1,995. 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
4.0
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
4.6
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
3.4
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.6
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
136.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Pella vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.0% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.3% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 29.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.5% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,374 |
| Dentists | 1:1,995 |
| Mental Health | 1:706 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 72.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,887/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Pella has a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 19.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 77.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,239 per 100,000, 37% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,064, burglary at 68, vehicle theft at 106 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pella receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pella vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 96.8/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 77.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 19.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,238.6/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| Burglary | 67.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,064.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 106.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 17 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pella experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 874 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 874 ft (266 m) |
| Area | 8.7 sq mi (22.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,137/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4047°N, 92.9174°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mahaska County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.0 / 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 |
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
623 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 318 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
69 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
67 km |
6 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (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 |
36 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Pella has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Pella. 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 | $680 |
| Toddler | $586 |
| Preschool | $586 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pella
What is the population of Pella?
Pella has a population of 10,624 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,137 people per square mile, spread across 8.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Pella expensive to live in?
Pella 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 $81,201, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $259,600 (8% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,041 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pella safe?
Pella is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 97 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,239 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Pella receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pella?
Pella has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Pella?
The job market in Pella is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,067. There are 625 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pella?
The median home value in Pella is $259,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $349,159. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,041. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,289.
How are the schools in Pella?
Schools in Pella score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 47.8% of adults in Pella hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 16.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pella?
The obesity rate in Pella is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.0% of adults are smokers. 19.3% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 5.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,374.
What is transportation like in Pella?
The average commute in Pella is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pella?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pella is 94.3% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 4.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.2% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
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