Median Income
$81,094
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$191,100
32% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
294/100K
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.8%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$800
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.8%
94% lower than US avg
How Riverside Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,040
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density562/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$81,094
Per Capita$39,609
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty0.8%
County GDP$12,640M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$191,100
Rent$800
Ownership74.0%
Zillow$338,373
Housing Units502
Rent Burden26.1%
Crime
F
Violent294/100K
Property2,421/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking13.0%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation647 ft (197 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.8%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score6.24
Community
2024 VoteR 30% / D 68%
Commute25 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations46
Libraries8
Is Riverside a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Riverside receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Riverside offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Riverside is $81,094, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 0.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Riverside is $191,100, 32% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $800 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Riverside is below the national average at 294 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,421 per 100,000, 24% above the national average.
Education
28.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Riverside 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 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Riverside has a population of 1,040 with a density of 562 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.1% of residents. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Riverside vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.1%
22% above US avg
Spanish
3.9%
71% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Riverside vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Riverside is $81,094, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,609. The average weekly wage is $1,238, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,140 business establishments, including 448 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. 8.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Riverside vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,094 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,609 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,238 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,456 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.8% |
| 94% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,140 |
| County GDP | $12,640M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 448 |
| Healthcare | 493 |
| Retail | 492 |
| Manufacturing | 80 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.2% |
The median home value in Riverside is $191,100, 32% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $338,373, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 103.3% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $800 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 502 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $6,982 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $191,100 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $338,373 |
| Median List Price | $300,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $300,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $126 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 103.3% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $800 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.0% |
| Housing Units | 502 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.65% |
In Riverside, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 13.0% are current smokers. 24.2% report binge drinking. 20.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.7% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:521. The dentist ratio is 1:424. 89.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Riverside vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.3% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 29.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:521 |
| Dentists | 1:424 |
| Mental Health | 1:209 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 73.5% |
| Premature Death | 4,821/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 493 |
Riverside has a violent crime rate of 294 per 100,000 residents, 23% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,421 per 100,000, 24% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Riverside receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Riverside vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 293.7/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,421.3/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 38 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Riverside experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.9 inches. The area receives 25.2 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 647 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 647 ft (197 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 562/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4832°N, 91.5722°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
646 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 291 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
58 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
57 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
68 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
57 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
58 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
57 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Riverside has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Riverside. 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 | $765 |
| Toddler | $659 |
| Preschool | $659 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $508 |
| Preschool | $508 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Riverside
What is the population of Riverside?
Riverside has a population of 1,040 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 562 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Riverside expensive to live in?
Riverside 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 $81,094, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $191,100 (32% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $800 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Riverside safe?
Riverside is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 294 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,421 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Riverside receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Riverside?
Riverside has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 25.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Riverside?
The job market in Riverside is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,238. There are 5,140 business establishments in the area, including 448 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 8.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Riverside?
The median home value in Riverside is $191,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $338,373. For renters, the median monthly rent is $800. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,982.
How are the schools in Riverside?
Schools in Riverside score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.8% of adults in Riverside hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Riverside?
The obesity rate in Riverside is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.0% of adults are smokers. 20.3% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:521.
What is transportation like in Riverside?
The average commute in Riverside is 25 minutes. 86.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Riverside?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Riverside is 91.9% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 96.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.9% speak Spanish. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
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