Median Income
$63,250
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$43,900
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
580/100K
53% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.0%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$675
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Ringsted Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population361
Median Age36.5 yrs
Density361/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,250
Per Capita$38,954
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$519M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$43,900
Rent$675
Ownership76.4%
Zillow$180,052
Housing Units235
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent580/100K
Property1,134/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking15.8%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,270 ft (387 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.0%
High School+96.5%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute25 min
Broadband92.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Ringsted a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ringsted receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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. Ringsted offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ringsted is $63,250, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 11.1% 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 Ringsted is $43,900, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 580 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,134 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ringsted has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ringsted has a population of 361 with a density of 361 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 36.5 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46% female and 54% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%), with 3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.5yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Ringsted is $63,250, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,954. The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 330 business establishments, including 14 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. 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,250 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,954 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,021 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 330 |
| County GDP | $519M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Ringsted is $43,900, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,052, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $675 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 235 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $3,190. 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $43,900 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,052 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $675 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.6% |
| Housing Units | 235 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.27% |
In Ringsted, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 21.0% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553. The dentist ratio is 1:2,294. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ringsted vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,553 |
| Dentists | 1:2,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:385 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,705/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Ringsted has a violent crime rate of 580 per 100,000 residents, 53% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,134 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ringsted receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ringsted vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 580.3/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,134.3/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ringsted has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,270 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,270 ft (387 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 361/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.2951°N, 94.5074°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.7"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
71 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
552 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 26 fatalities, 431 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
89 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
92 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
6 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
21 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
36 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Ringsted has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Ringsted. 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 | $667 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $443 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ringsted
What is the population of Ringsted?
Ringsted has a population of 361 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 361 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 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 46% female and 54% male.
Is Ringsted expensive to live in?
Ringsted 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 $63,250, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $43,900 (84% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ringsted safe?
The violent crime rate in Ringsted is 580 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 1,134 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ringsted receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ringsted?
Ringsted has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ringsted?
The job market in Ringsted is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 330 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ringsted?
The median home value in Ringsted is $43,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,052. For renters, the median monthly rent is $675. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,190.
How are the schools in Ringsted?
Schools in Ringsted score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.0% of adults in Ringsted hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.5% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ringsted?
The obesity rate in Ringsted is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553.
What is transportation like in Ringsted?
The average commute in Ringsted is 25 minutes. 89.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ringsted?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ringsted is 93.6% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 94.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
