Median Income
$78,269
4% higher than US avg
Home Value
$177,400
37% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
58/100K
85% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.2%
13% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$796
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.1%
91% lower than US avg
How Prairie City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,649
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density1,330/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$78,269
Per Capita$37,265
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty1.1%
County GDP$1,523M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$177,400
Rent$796
Ownership76.9%
Zillow$256,967
Housing Units704
Rent Burden17.7%
Crime
F
Violent58/100K
Property173/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault58/100K
Burglary115/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured6.1%
Smoking15.0%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation926 ft (282 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.2%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score5.77
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute27 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Prairie City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Prairie City receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Prairie City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Prairie City is $78,269, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Prairie City is $177,400, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $796 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Prairie City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 173 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
29.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Prairie City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°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 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Prairie City has a population of 1,649 with a density of 1,330 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Prairie City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Prairie City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Prairie City is $78,269, which is 4% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,265. The average weekly wage is $960, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above 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 984 business establishments, including 63 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 17.8% of workers work from home.
Income: Prairie City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $78,269 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,265 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $960 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,700 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.1% |
| 91% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 984 |
| County GDP | $1,523M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 66 |
| Retail | 96 |
| Manufacturing | 37 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,099 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.8% |
The median home value in Prairie City is $177,400, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,967, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $796 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 704 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,099 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $177,400 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $256,967 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $208 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $796 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.1% |
| Housing Units | 704 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,099 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.31% |
In Prairie City, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 22.6% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,518. The dentist ratio is 1:1,897. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Prairie City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.1% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,518 |
| Dentists | 1:1,897 |
| Mental Health | 1:862 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,112/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 66 |
Prairie City has a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents, 85% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 57.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 173 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 58, burglary at 115, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Prairie City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Prairie City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 57.6/100K |
| 85% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 57.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 172.8/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| Burglary | 115.2/100K |
| Theft | 57.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Prairie City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°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 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 926 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 926 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,330/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5954°N, 93.2393°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jasper County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.6"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
681 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 23 fatalities, 381 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
90 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
35 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
42 km |
6 |
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 |
4 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Prairie City has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Prairie City. 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 | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Prairie City
What is the population of Prairie City?
Prairie City has a population of 1,649 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,330 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Prairie City expensive to live in?
Prairie City 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 $78,269, 4% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $177,400 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $796 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Prairie City safe?
Prairie City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 58 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 173 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Prairie City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Prairie City?
Prairie City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°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 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Prairie City?
Prairie City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $960. There are 984 business establishments in the area, including 63 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 17.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Prairie City?
The median home value in Prairie City is $177,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $256,967. For renters, the median monthly rent is $796. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,099.
How are the schools in Prairie City?
Schools in Prairie City score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.2% of adults in Prairie City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Prairie City?
The obesity rate in Prairie City is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 6.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,518.
What is transportation like in Prairie City?
The average commute in Prairie City is 27 minutes. 73.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Prairie City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Prairie City is 97.2% White. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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