Median Income
$57,450
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$79,400
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
144/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.7%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$798
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How Royal Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population518
Median Age31.2 yrs
Density1,727/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$57,450
Per Capita$27,831
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$1,540M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$79,400
Rent$798
Ownership68.9%
Zillow$100,881
Housing Units253
Rent Burden21.6%
Crime
F
Violent144/100K
Property2,334/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking16.1%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain26.8 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,416 ft (432 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.7%
High School+95.1%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute24 min
Broadband89.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Royal a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Royal receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Royal offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Royal is $57,450, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Royal is $79,400, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $798 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Royal is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,334 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Royal experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Royal has a population of 518 with a density of 1,727 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 31.2 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly White (95%), with 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.1% of residents, while 11.9% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.2yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.1%
12% above US avg
Spanish
11.9%
11% below US avg
The median household income in Royal is $57,450, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,831 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,029, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 742 business establishments, including 48 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 5.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,450 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,831 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,029 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,076 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 742 |
| County GDP | $1,540M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 97 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,811 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.0% |
The median home value in Royal is $79,400, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,881, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.6% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $798 (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. 68.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 253 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,811 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,400 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $100,881 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $95 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $798 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.1% |
| Housing Units | 253 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,811 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.06% |
In Royal, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 23.5% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 21.1% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,174. The dentist ratio is 1:969. 74.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Royal vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,174 |
| Dentists | 1:969 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,924/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Royal has a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,334 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Royal receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Royal vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.7/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,334.4/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Royal experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 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 26.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,416 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,416 ft (432 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,727/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0644°N, 95.2837°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
66 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.8"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 72.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
30 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
570 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 9 fatalities, 175 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
32 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Royal has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Royal. 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 | $674 |
| Toddler | $581 |
| Preschool | $581 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal
What is the population of Royal?
Royal has a population of 518 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,727 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is Royal expensive to live in?
Royal 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 $57,450, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $79,400 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $798 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Royal safe?
Royal is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 144 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,334 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Royal receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Royal?
Royal has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Royal?
The job market in Royal is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,029. There are 742 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 5.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Royal?
The median home value in Royal is $79,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $100,881. For renters, the median monthly rent is $798. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,811.
How are the schools in Royal?
Schools in Royal score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.7% of adults in Royal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Royal?
The obesity rate in Royal is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,174.
What is transportation like in Royal?
The average commute in Royal is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 65.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Royal?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Royal is 95% White, 1.5% Black or African American. 88.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 11.9% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
