Median Income
$57,500
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
202/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.4%
75% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.9%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.7%
59% higher than US avg
How Rowan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population209
Median Age28.7 yrs
Density402/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans10.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$57,500
Per Capita$25,874
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty19.7%
County GDP$1,247M
Commute40 min
Housing
Ownership90.5%
Zillow$74,708
Housing Units73
Rent Burden24.4%
Crime
F
Violent202/100K
Property1,210/100K
Health
Obesity38.9%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking15.4%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,207 ft (368 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.4%
High School+85.5%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute40 min
Broadband84.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Rowan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rowan receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, long commute times. Rowan has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rowan is $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Rowan is below the national average at 202 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,210 per 100,000, 38% below the national average.
Education
8.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Rowan experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 16°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 34.3 inches, including 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rowan has a population of 209 with a density of 402 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 28.7 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly White (85.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 10.6% 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). 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.7yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.2%
61% below US avg
The median household income in Rowan is $57,500, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,874 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,126, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 468 business establishments, including 28 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,500 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,874 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,126 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,568 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.7% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 468 |
| County GDP | $1,247M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 28 |
| Healthcare | 35 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,919 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 40.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $74,708. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 73 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,919. 24.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 90.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.5% |
| Housing Units | 73 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,919 |
| 12% above US avg |
In Rowan, 38.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 23.9% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,557. The dentist ratio is 1:2,536. 86.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rowan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,557 |
| Dentists | 1:2,536 |
| Mental Health | 1:703 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,879/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 35 |
Rowan has a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,210 per 100,000, 38% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rowan receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rowan vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 201.6/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,209.7/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rowan experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 16°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 34.3 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 1,207 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,207 ft (368 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 402/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7399°N, 93.5503°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wright County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 41.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
676 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 50 fatalities, 1,070 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
59 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
35 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
11 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
87 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
93 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Rowan has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Rowan. 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 Rowan
What is the population of Rowan?
Rowan has a population of 209 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 402 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is Rowan expensive to live in?
Rowan 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 $57,500, 23% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Rowan safe?
Rowan is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 202 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,210 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rowan receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rowan?
Rowan has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°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 34.3 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 Rowan?
Rowan has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,126. There are 468 business establishments in the area, including 28 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 40 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Rowan?
Schools in Rowan score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.4% of adults in Rowan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rowan?
The obesity rate in Rowan is 38.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 86.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,557.
What is transportation like in Rowan?
The average commute in Rowan is 40 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rowan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rowan is 85.6% White. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 10.6% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 97.9% have health insurance coverage.
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