Median Income
$60,417
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$135,200
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
34/100K
91% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.5%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,016
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How Rowley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population354
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density908/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$60,417
Per Capita$32,003
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty10.6%
County GDP$1,087M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,200
Rent$1,016
Ownership84.9%
Zillow$251,154
Housing Units130
Rent Burden22.9%
Crime
F
Violent34/100K
Property653/100K
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking15.6%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation985 ft (300 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.5%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute26 min
Broadband77.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Rowley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rowley receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Rowley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rowley is $60,417, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rowley is $135,200, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rowley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 34 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 653 per 100,000, 67% below the national average.
Education
19.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Rowley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rowley has a population of 354 with a density of 908 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (98.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% 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 Rowley is $60,417, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,003 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 638 business establishments, including 37 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 13.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,417 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,003 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,868 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 638 |
| County GDP | $1,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 37 |
| Healthcare | 44 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.2% |
The median home value in Rowley is $135,200, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,154, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,016 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 130 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,750. 22.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,200 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $251,154 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,016 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.1% |
| Housing Units | 130 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,750 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.77% |
In Rowley, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 24.1% report binge drinking. 22.1% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,582. The dentist ratio is 1:2,959. 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rowley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.1% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,582 |
| Dentists | 1:2,959 |
| Mental Health | 1:690 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.4% |
| Premature Death | 5,284/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 44 |
Rowley has a violent crime rate of 34 per 100,000 residents, 91% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 653 per 100,000, 67% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rowley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rowley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 33.5/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 653.3/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rowley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 985 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 985 ft (300 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 908/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3685°N, 91.8443°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Buchanan County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
609 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 23 fatalities, 504 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
87 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
34 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
30 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
59 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
66 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Rowley has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Rowley. 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 | $687 |
| Toddler | $592 |
| Preschool | $592 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $464 |
| Toddler | $456 |
| Preschool | $456 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rowley
What is the population of Rowley?
Rowley has a population of 354 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 908 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Rowley expensive to live in?
Rowley 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 $60,417, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $135,200 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rowley safe?
Rowley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 34 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 653 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rowley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rowley?
Rowley 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 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Rowley?
The unemployment rate in Rowley is 5.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 638 business establishments in the area, including 37 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 13.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rowley?
The median home value in Rowley is $135,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,154. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,016. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,750.
How are the schools in Rowley?
Schools in Rowley score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.5% of adults in Rowley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rowley?
The obesity rate in Rowley is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 22.1% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 67.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,582.
What is transportation like in Rowley?
The average commute in Rowley is 26 minutes. 75.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rowley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rowley is 98.9% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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