Median Income
$50,750
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$60,400
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
236/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.1%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
62% lower than US avg
How Russell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population551
Median Age56.8 yrs
Density535/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$50,750
Per Capita$28,502
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$316M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$60,400
Rent$775
Ownership90.8%
Zillow$161,204
Housing Units341
Rent Burden27.3%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property2,973/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking19.0%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,021 ft (311 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.1%
High School+83.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute24 min
Broadband74.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Russell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Russell receives an overall livability score of 2.9 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Russell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Russell is $50,750, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Russell is $60,400, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Russell is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,973 per 100,000, 52% above the national average.
Education
5.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Russell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Russell has a population of 551 with a density of 535 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 56.8 years, 46% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.6% female and 56.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96.2%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 37.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.8yrs
Median Age
46% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Russell is $50,750, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,502 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $968, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 185 business establishments, including 8 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. 7.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,750 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,502 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $968 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,510 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.7% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 185 |
| County GDP | $316M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 22 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,250 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.3% |
The median home value in Russell is $60,400, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,204, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 341 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,250. 27.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $60,400 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $161,204 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.2% |
| Housing Units | 341 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,250 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.38% |
In Russell, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.1% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,302. The dentist ratio is 1:2,156. 35.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Russell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.1% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,302 |
| Dentists | 1:2,156 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,279 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,502/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 35.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Russell has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,973 per 100,000, 52% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Russell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Russell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 236.0/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,973.1/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Russell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,021 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,021 ft (311 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 535/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9804°N, 93.2011°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wayne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% 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 | 22.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 73.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| 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)
Tornado History
515 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 266 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
88 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
16 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (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 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Russell has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Russell. 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 | $661 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $434 |
| Toddler | $427 |
| Preschool | $427 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Russell
What is the population of Russell?
Russell has a population of 551 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 535 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.6% female and 56.4% male.
Is Russell expensive to live in?
Russell 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 $50,750, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $60,400 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Russell safe?
Russell is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,973 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Russell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Russell?
Russell 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 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Russell?
The job market in Russell is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $968. There are 185 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 7.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Russell?
The median home value in Russell is $60,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $161,204. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,250.
How are the schools in Russell?
Schools in Russell score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.1% of adults in Russell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Russell?
The obesity rate in Russell is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 35.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,302.
What is transportation like in Russell?
The average commute in Russell is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Russell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Russell is 96.2% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 37.2% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
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