Median Income
$56,298
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,600
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
580/100K
53% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.8%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How Pocahontas Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,536
Median Age48.9 yrs
Density776/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans10.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,298
Per Capita$35,862
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$642M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,600
Rent$700
Ownership81.9%
Zillow$117,529
Housing Units856
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent580/100K
Property1,134/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking17.3%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,217 ft (371 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.8%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 22%
Commute15 min
Broadband81.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Pocahontas a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Pocahontas receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Pocahontas offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Pocahontas is $56,298, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Pocahontas is $96,600, 66% 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 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 580 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,134 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
21.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Pocahontas experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches, including 38.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Pocahontas has a population of 1,536 with a density of 776 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 48.9 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (95.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 10.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.9yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Pocahontas vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Pocahontas vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Pocahontas is $56,298, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,862. The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 265 business establishments, including 12 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Pocahontas vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,298 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,862 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,570 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 265 |
| County GDP | $642M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 12 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.2% |
The median home value in Pocahontas is $96,600, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,529, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $700 for a one-bedroom to $919 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 856 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $2,850 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,600 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $117,529 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $658 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $919 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,217 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.1% |
| Housing Units | 856 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,850 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.95% |
In Pocahontas, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.5% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,537. The dentist ratio is 1:1,763. 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Pocahontas vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,537 |
| Dentists | 1:1,763 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,976 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,324/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Pocahontas has a violent crime rate of 580 per 100,000 residents, 53% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,134 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Pocahontas receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Pocahontas vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 580.3/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,134.3/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Pocahontas 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. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. The area receives 38.8 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 1,217 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,217 ft (371 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 776/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7370°N, 94.6660°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pocahontas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 68.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
37 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
577 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 13 fatalities, 338 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
83 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
13 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
63 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 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Pocahontas has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Pocahontas. 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 | $691 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $454 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pocahontas
What is the population of Pocahontas?
Pocahontas has a population of 1,536 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 776 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Pocahontas expensive to live in?
Pocahontas 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 $56,298, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,600 (66% 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 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Pocahontas safe?
The violent crime rate in Pocahontas is 580 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,134 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Pocahontas receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Pocahontas?
Pocahontas has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.8 inches, with 38.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Pocahontas?
Pocahontas has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 265 business establishments in the area, including 12 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 1.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Pocahontas?
The median home value in Pocahontas is $96,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,529. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $700 for a 1-bedroom and $919 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,850.
How are the schools in Pocahontas?
Schools in Pocahontas score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.8% of adults in Pocahontas hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Pocahontas?
The obesity rate in Pocahontas is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 73.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,537.
What is transportation like in Pocahontas?
The average commute in Pocahontas is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Pocahontas?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Pocahontas is 95.2% White, 0.8% Black or African American. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 10.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
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