Peterson, IA
Full City Profile · Iowa · Buena Vista County County
4.1
/5.0
A
Great
373
Population
717/sq mi density
$76,875
Median Income
$41,309 per capita
$86,700
Home Value
$177,708 Zillow
$850
Median Rent
13.8% income on rent
47°F
Avg Temperature
A
Overall
4.1 / 5.0
Strong
A+
Economy
4.5 / 5.0
$76,875 median income, 0.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$86,700 home value, $850/mo rent
C+
Education
2.8 / 5.0
22.4% bachelor's degree or higher
Peterson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.8 inches. The area receives 35.2 inches of snow annually.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg | |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
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
Air Quality
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)
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°F (-8°C) | 0.3 in | Coldest, Driest |
| February | 21°F (-6°C) | 0.4 in | |
| March | 34°F (1°C) | 1.4 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 2.8 in | |
| May | 59°F (15°C) | 3.8 in | |
| June | 70°F (21°C) | 4.0 in | Wettest |
| July | 73°F (23°C) | 3.8 in | Warmest |
| August | 71°F (21°C) | 3.3 in | |
| September | 63°F (17°C) | 3.2 in | |
| October | 49°F (10°C) | 2.2 in | |
| November | 35°F (1°C) | 1.1 in | |
| December | 22°F (-5°C) | 0.4 in |
Peterson has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and January the driest (0.3").