Home Value
$52,000
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
411/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.5%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$706
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Ricketts Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population58
Median Age63.3 yrs
Density232/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans58.0%
Economy
Per Capita$41,997
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$1,117M
Housing
Home Value$52,000
Rent$706
Ownership63.6%
Zillow$183,883
Housing Units50
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent411/100K
Property1,984/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking14.4%
Depression20.3%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,326 ft (404 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.5%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.26
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Broadband44.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Ricketts a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ricketts receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Ricketts faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ricketts is $52,000, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $706 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 411 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,984 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
4.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Ricketts experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°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 32.2 inches, including 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ricketts has a population of 58 with a density of 232 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 63.3 years, 63% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.2% female and 63.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 58.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.3yrs
Median Age
63% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $41,997. The average weekly wage is $1,021, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 514 business establishments, including 36 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
| |
| Per Capita Income | $41,997 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,021 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,004 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 514 |
| County GDP | $1,117M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ricketts is $52,000, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,883, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $706 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 50 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1941. The average annual property tax is $3,829. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $52,000 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,883 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $706 |
| 39% 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 | 63.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.4% |
| Housing Units | 50 |
| Median Year Built | 1941 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.36% |
In Ricketts, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 20.4% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 20.3% report depression. 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,398. The dentist ratio is 1:1,791. 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ricketts vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 20.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 31.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,398 |
| Dentists | 1:1,791 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,779 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.1% |
| Dental Visits | 59.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Ricketts has a violent crime rate of 411 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,984 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ricketts receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ricketts vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 410.5/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,984.3/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ricketts experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°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 32.2 inches. The area receives 31.1 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 1,326 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,326 ft (404 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 232/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1280°N, 95.5749°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.2"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
138 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
543 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 302 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
98 km |
3 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
58 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
64 km |
2 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Ricketts has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Ricketts. 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 | $668 |
| Toddler | $576 |
| Preschool | $576 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $451 |
| Toddler | $444 |
| Preschool | $444 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ricketts
What is the population of Ricketts?
Ricketts has a population of 58 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 232 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.2% female and 63.8% male.
Is Ricketts expensive to live in?
Ricketts is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $52,000 (82% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $706 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Ricketts safe?
The violent crime rate in Ricketts is 411 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 1,984 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ricketts receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ricketts?
Ricketts has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°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 32.2 inches, with 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ricketts?
The job market in Ricketts is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,021. There are 514 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Ricketts?
The median home value in Ricketts is $52,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,883. For renters, the median monthly rent is $706. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,829.
How are the schools in Ricketts?
Schools in Ricketts score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.5% of adults in Ricketts hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ricketts?
The obesity rate in Ricketts is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 20.3% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,398.
What are the demographics of Ricketts?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ricketts is 96.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 58.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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