Median Income
$82,950
10% higher than US avg
Home Value
$144,600
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
626/100K
65% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.1%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$789
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.2%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.1%
97% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Preston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,057
Median Age36.5 yrs
Density1,229/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$82,950
Per Capita$35,970
Unemployment0.1%
Poverty12.3%
County GDP$907M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,600
Rent$789
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$221,961
Housing Units439
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent626/100K
Property4,618/100K
Health
Obesity41.2%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking17.8%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation668 ft (204 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.1%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.64
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute25 min
Broadband83.9%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Preston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Preston receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Preston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Preston is $82,950, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.1%. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Preston is $144,600, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $789 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
With 626 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,618 per 100,000, 136% above the national average.
Education
23.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Preston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.8 inches, including 31.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Preston has a population of 1,057 with a density of 1,229 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 36.5 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.1% female and 52.9% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 21.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.5yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Preston is $82,950, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,970. The average weekly wage is $870, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 674 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 25 minutes. 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,950 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,970 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $870 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,979 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.1% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 674 |
| County GDP | $907M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 76 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,900 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Preston is $144,600, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,961, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $789 (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. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 439 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1949. The average annual property tax is $3,900. 9.0% 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 | $144,600 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $221,961 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $789 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 439 |
| Median Year Built | 1949 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,900 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.70% |
In Preston, 41.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.3% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,767. The dentist ratio is 1:1,932. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Preston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.2% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,767 |
| Dentists | 1:1,932 |
| Mental Health | 1:879 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 67.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,844/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Preston has a violent crime rate of 626 per 100,000 residents, 65% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,618 per 100,000, 136% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Preston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Preston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 625.6/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,618.0/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Preston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.8 inches. The area receives 31.9 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 668 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.7°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 668 ft (204 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,229/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0492°N, 90.3970°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jackson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.8"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 75.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
140 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
88 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
628 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 233 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
94 km |
2 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
49 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
13 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
Preston has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Preston. 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 | $670 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $452 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Preston
What is the population of Preston?
Preston has a population of 1,057 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,229 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.1% female and 52.9% male.
Is Preston expensive to live in?
Preston 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 $82,950, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,600 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $789 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 Preston safe?
Public safety is a concern in Preston, with a violent crime rate of 626 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,618 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Preston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Preston?
Preston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.8 inches, with 31.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Preston?
The job market in Preston is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $870. There are 674 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Preston?
The median home value in Preston is $144,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,961. For renters, the median monthly rent is $789. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,900.
How are the schools in Preston?
Schools in Preston score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.1% of adults in Preston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Preston?
The obesity rate in Preston is 41.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,767.
What is transportation like in Preston?
The average commute in Preston is 25 minutes. 89.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Preston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Preston is 98.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.3% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
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