Median Income
$67,500
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,700
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.3%
87% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.2%
47% higher than US avg
How Ralston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population66
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density34/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans51.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$67,500
Per Capita$29,083
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty18.2%
County GDP$1,837M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,700
Ownership85.7%
Zillow$175,589
Housing Units34
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property941/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking15.5%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,114 ft (340 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute21 min
Broadband28.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Ralston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ralston receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate. Ralston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ralston is $67,500, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. The poverty rate of 18.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ralston is $86,700, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ralston is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 941 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
4.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ralston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°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 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ralston has a population of 66 with a density of 34 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 51.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above 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 Ralston is $67,500, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,083 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $974, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 968 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,500 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,083 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $974 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,620 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.2% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 968 |
| County GDP | $1,837M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 103 |
| Retail | 127 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,363 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Ralston is $86,700, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,589, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 34 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,363 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,700 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,589 |
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 | 85.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.3% |
| Housing Units | 34 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,363 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.03% |
In Ralston, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 24.7% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 20.2% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,150. The dentist ratio is 1:1,371. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ralston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,150 |
| Dentists | 1:1,371 |
| Mental Health | 1:641 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,828/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 103 |
Ralston has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 941 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ralston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ralston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 130.2/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 941.1/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ralston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°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 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,114 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,114 ft (340 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 34/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0419°N, 94.6293°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carroll County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.7"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
662 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 16 fatalities, 300 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
66 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
97 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
65 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
28 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Ralston has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Ralston. 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 | $662 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $439 |
| Preschool | $439 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ralston
What is the population of Ralston?
Ralston has a population of 66 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 34 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Ralston expensive to live in?
Ralston 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 $67,500, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,700 (69% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ralston safe?
Ralston is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 941 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ralston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ralston?
Ralston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ralston?
The job market in Ralston is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $974. There are 968 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ralston?
The median home value in Ralston is $86,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,589. The homeownership rate is 85.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,363.
How are the schools in Ralston?
Schools in Ralston score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.3% of adults in Ralston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ralston?
The obesity rate in Ralston is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,150.
What is transportation like in Ralston?
The average commute in Ralston is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ralston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ralston is 92.4% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 51.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 90.1% have health insurance coverage.
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