Median Income
$29,531
61% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,300
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
127/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.9%
94% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,021
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.8%
124% higher than US avg
How Rome Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population77
Median Age42.8 yrs
Density642/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans59.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$29,531
Per Capita$21,066
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty27.8%
County GDP$1,154M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,300
Rent$1,021
Ownership69.8%
Zillow$187,171
Housing Units38
Rent Burden46.9%
Crime
F
Violent127/100K
Property2,921/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking16.5%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation598 ft (182 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.9%
High School+84.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute18 min
Broadband43.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Rome a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rome receives an overall livability score of 2.4 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, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Rome has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rome is $29,531, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 27.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rome is $61,300, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,021 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rome is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,921 per 100,000, 49% above the national average.
Education
1.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Rome experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°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 38.5 inches, including 24.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rome has a population of 77 with a density of 642 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 42.8 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly White (87%), with 13% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 59.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.8yrs
Median Age
10% 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 Rome is $29,531, which is 61% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,066 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,008, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 27.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 638 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,531 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,066 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,008 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,859 |
| Gini Index | 0.396 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.8% |
| 124% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,154M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,335 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Rome is $61,300, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $187,171, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,021 (12% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 38 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,335 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 46.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $61,300 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $187,171 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,021 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 46.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.2% |
| Housing Units | 38 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,335 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.07% |
In Rome, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 21.9% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699. The dentist ratio is 1:1,554. 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rome vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,699 |
| Dentists | 1:1,554 |
| Mental Health | 1:782 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,888/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Rome has a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,921 per 100,000, 49% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rome receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rome vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 127.0/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,920.8/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rome experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°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 38.5 inches. The area receives 24.8 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 598 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 598 ft (182 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 642/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9822°N, 91.6812°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.5"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
512 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 255 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
63 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
47 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
52 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
51 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
51 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Rome has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Rome. 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 Rome
What is the population of Rome?
Rome has a population of 77 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 642 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
Is Rome expensive to live in?
Rome 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 $29,531, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $61,300 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,021 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rome safe?
Rome is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,921 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Rome receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rome?
Rome 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 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.5 inches, with 24.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Rome?
The job market in Rome is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,008. There are 638 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rome?
The median home value in Rome is $61,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $187,171. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,021. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,335.
How are the schools in Rome?
Schools in Rome score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 1.9% of adults in Rome hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rome?
The obesity rate in Rome is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,699.
What is transportation like in Rome?
The average commute in Rome is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rome?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rome is 87% White, 13% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 59.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
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