Median Income
$66,250
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$73,800
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
95/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.5%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Pleasant Plain Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population79
Median Age49.7 yrs
Density78/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans66.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,250
Per Capita$40,975
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$911M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$73,800
Ownership95.1%
Zillow$94,096
Housing Units44
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent95/100K
Property3,016/100K
Health
Obesity44.5%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking17.6%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation756 ft (230 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+93.8%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 46%
Commute22 min
Broadband41.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Pleasant Plain a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pleasant Plain receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Pleasant Plain offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pleasant Plain is $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pleasant Plain is $73,800, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Pleasant Plain is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,016 per 100,000, 54% above the national average.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Pleasant Plain experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°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 38.4 inches, including 21.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Pleasant Plain has a population of 79 with a density of 78 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 49.7 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.7% female and 44.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 66.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.7yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pleasant Plain vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Pleasant Plain vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pleasant Plain is $66,250, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,975. The average weekly wage is $1,030, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 795 business establishments, including 45 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pleasant Plain vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,250 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,975 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,030 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,023 |
| Gini Index | 0.526 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 795 |
| County GDP | $911M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 45 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 85 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,429 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 62.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Pleasant Plain is $73,800, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $94,096, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 44 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,429 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% 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 | $73,800 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $94,096 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.9% |
| Housing Units | 44 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,429 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.36% |
In Pleasant Plain, 44.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 25.2% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,304. The dentist ratio is 1:1,427. 61.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pleasant Plain vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 25.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,304 |
| Dentists | 1:1,427 |
| Mental Health | 1:454 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,327/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Pleasant Plain has a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,016 per 100,000, 54% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pleasant Plain receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pleasant Plain vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 95.2/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,015.6/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pleasant Plain experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°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 38.4 inches. The area receives 21.7 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 756 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 756 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 78/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1472°N, 91.8596°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 50.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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
532 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 297 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
82 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
54 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
65 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Pleasant Plain has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Pleasant Plain. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $597 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $468 |
| Toddler | $460 |
| Preschool | $460 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pleasant Plain
What is the population of Pleasant Plain?
Pleasant Plain has a population of 79 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 78 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.7% female and 44.3% male.
Is Pleasant Plain expensive to live in?
Pleasant Plain 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 $66,250, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $73,800 (74% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pleasant Plain safe?
Pleasant Plain is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,016 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Pleasant Plain receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pleasant Plain?
Pleasant Plain 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 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches, with 21.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Pleasant Plain?
The job market in Pleasant Plain is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,030. There are 795 business establishments in the area, including 45 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pleasant Plain?
The median home value in Pleasant Plain is $73,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $94,096. The homeownership rate is 95.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,429.
How are the schools in Pleasant Plain?
Schools in Pleasant Plain score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.4% of adults in Pleasant Plain hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.8% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pleasant Plain?
The obesity rate in Pleasant Plain is 44.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 61.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,304.
What is transportation like in Pleasant Plain?
The average commute in Pleasant Plain is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 62.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pleasant Plain?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pleasant Plain is 100% White. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 66.0% of the population are military veterans. 24.1% of residents have a disability. 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
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