Median Income
$72,500
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,000
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
295/100K
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.6%
56% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
55% lower than US avg
How Rathbun Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population36
Median Age56.3 yrs
Density171/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans36.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$72,500
Per Capita$35,764
Unemployment5.6%
Poverty5.6%
County GDP$518M
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$56,794
Housing Units33
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent295/100K
Property4,144/100K
Health
Obesity40.3%
Smoking16.7%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation905 ft (276 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+91.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.52
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Broadband20.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries3
Is Rathbun a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rathbun receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Rathbun offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rathbun is $72,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rathbun is $55,000, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Rathbun is below the national average at 295 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,144 per 100,000, 111% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Rathbun experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rathbun has a population of 36 with a density of 171 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 56.3 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.6% female and 44.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 36.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.3yrs
Median Age
45% 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 Rathbun is $72,500, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,764. The average weekly wage is $887, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 410 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,500 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,764 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $887 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,195 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.6% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.6% |
| 55% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 410 |
| County GDP | $518M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,592 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Rathbun is $55,000, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $56,794. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 33 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1945. The average annual property tax is $3,592. 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,000 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $56,794 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 33 |
| Median Year Built | 1945 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,592 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.53% |
In Rathbun, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,532. The dentist ratio is 1:3,024. 50.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rathbun vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,532 |
| Dentists | 1:3,024 |
| Mental Health | 1:808 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 68.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,751/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Rathbun has a violent crime rate of 295 per 100,000 residents, 22% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,144 per 100,000, 111% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rathbun receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rathbun vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 294.7/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,144.4/100K |
| 111% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rathbun experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 905 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 905 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 171/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8018°N, 92.8879°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Appanoose County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.6"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| 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)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
428 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 131 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
67 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (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 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Rathbun has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.6") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Rathbun. 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 | $671 |
| Toddler | $578 |
| Preschool | $578 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $453 |
| Toddler | $446 |
| Preschool | $446 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rathbun
What is the population of Rathbun?
Rathbun has a population of 36 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 171 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.6% female and 44.4% male.
Is Rathbun expensive to live in?
Rathbun 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 $72,500, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,000 (80% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rathbun safe?
Rathbun is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 295 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,144 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rathbun receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rathbun?
Rathbun 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 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Rathbun?
The unemployment rate in Rathbun is 5.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $887. There are 410 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Rathbun?
The median home value in Rathbun is $55,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $56,794. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,592.
How are the schools in Rathbun?
Schools in Rathbun score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Rathbun hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rathbun?
The obesity rate in Rathbun is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 50.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,532.
What are the demographics of Rathbun?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rathbun is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 36.0% of the population are military veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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