Median Income
$98,125
31% higher than US avg
Home Value
$196,900
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
529/100K
39% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.6%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
85% lower than US avg
How Runnells Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population397
Median Age39.5 yrs
Density684/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$98,125
Per Capita$37,614
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty1.8%
County GDP$63,823M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$196,900
Rent$725
Ownership84.3%
Zillow$415,732
Housing Units155
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent529/100K
Property1,259/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking14.1%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation839 ft (256 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.6%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute29 min
Broadband91.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries19
Is Runnells a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Runnells receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Runnells offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Runnells is $98,125, which is significantly higher than the national average / 31% above $75,149. This places Runnells among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Runnells is $196,900, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 529 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,259 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Education
20.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Runnells experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°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 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Runnells has a population of 397 with a density of 684 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 39.5 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.6% female and 54.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96.5%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.5yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Runnells is $98,125, which is 31% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,614. The average weekly wage is $1,395. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 20,581 business establishments, including 1,227 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $98,125 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,614 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,395 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,610 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.8% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 20,581 |
| County GDP | $63,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,227 |
| Healthcare | 1,513 |
| Retail | 1,606 |
| Manufacturing | 341 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
The median home value in Runnells is $196,900, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $415,732, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $725 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 155 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $6,943 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $196,900 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $415,732 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.7% |
| Housing Units | 155 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.53% |
In Runnells, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 22.9% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073. The dentist ratio is 1:1,259. 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Runnells vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,073 |
| Dentists | 1:1,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:285 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 69.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,653/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,513 |
Runnells has a violent crime rate of 529 per 100,000 residents, 39% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,259 per 100,000, 36% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Runnells receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Runnells vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 529.0/100K |
| 39% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,259.5/100K |
| 36% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 14 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Runnells experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°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 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 839 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 839 ft (256 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 684/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5140°N, 93.3601°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.6"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0449 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.2 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
674 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 379 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
77 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
32 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
53 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
10 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Runnells has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Runnells. 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 | $768 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $662 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $507 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Runnells
What is the population of Runnells?
Runnells has a population of 397 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 684 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.5 years. The population is 45.6% female and 54.4% male.
Is Runnells expensive to live in?
Runnells 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 $98,125, 31% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $196,900 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Runnells safe?
The violent crime rate in Runnells is 529 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,259 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Runnells receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Runnells?
Runnells has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°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 36.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Runnells?
Runnells has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,395. There are 20,581 business establishments in the area, including 1,227 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 8.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Runnells?
The median home value in Runnells is $196,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $415,732. For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,943.
How are the schools in Runnells?
Schools in Runnells score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.6% of adults in Runnells hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Runnells?
The obesity rate in Runnells is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073.
What is transportation like in Runnells?
The average commute in Runnells is 29 minutes. 80.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Runnells?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Runnells is 96.5% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.9% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
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