Median Income
$76,875
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$86,700
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
291/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.4%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.1%
91% lower than US avg
How Peterson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population373
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density717/mi²
Male / Female56% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans12.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,875
Per Capita$41,309
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty1.1%
County GDP$1,938M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,700
Rent$850
Ownership87.3%
Zillow$156,312
Housing Units206
Rent Burden13.8%
Crime
F
Violent291/100K
Property1,181/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking15.7%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,250 ft (381 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.4%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+7.3%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute30 min
Broadband84.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Peterson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Peterson receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Peterson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Peterson is $76,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Peterson is $86,700, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Peterson is below the national average at 291 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
22.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Peterson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.0 inches, including 35.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Peterson has a population of 373 with a density of 717 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.5% female and 55.5% male. The city is predominantly White (98.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 12.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Peterson is $76,875, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,309. The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 610 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,875 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,309 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,827 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.1% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 610 |
| County GDP | $1,938M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 48 |
| Retail | 82 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,292 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Peterson is $86,700, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,312, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 206 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,292 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,700 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $156,312 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.7% |
| Housing Units | 206 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,292 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.10% |
In Peterson, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,888. The dentist ratio is 1:1,585. 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Peterson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,888 |
| Dentists | 1:1,585 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,285 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,218/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 48 |
Peterson has a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,181 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Peterson receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Peterson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.5/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,181.5/100K |
| 40% 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 |
Peterson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.0 inches. The area receives 35.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,250 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,250 ft (381 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 717/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9173°N, 95.3431°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buena Vista County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.0"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 40.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
22 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
587 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 198 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Peterson has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Peterson. 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 | $682 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $460 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Peterson
What is the population of Peterson?
Peterson has a population of 373 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 717 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 44.5% female and 55.5% male.
Is Peterson expensive to live in?
Peterson 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 $76,875, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,700 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Peterson safe?
Peterson is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 291 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,181 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Peterson receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Peterson?
Peterson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.0 inches, with 35.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Peterson?
The job market in Peterson is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 610 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Peterson?
The median home value in Peterson is $86,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $156,312. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,292.
How are the schools in Peterson?
Schools in Peterson have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 22.4% of adults in Peterson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 7.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Peterson?
The obesity rate in Peterson is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,888.
What is transportation like in Peterson?
The average commute in Peterson is 30 minutes. 88.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Peterson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Peterson is 98.4% White. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 12.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
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