At a Glance
Median Income
$50,750
$28,502 per capita
Home Value
$60,400
Zillow: $176,143
Median Rent
$775/mo
27.3% of income on rent
Bachelor's Degree+
5.1%
83.7% high school+
Unemployment
0.9%
4.7% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
39.8%
19.0% smoking rate
How Russell Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Russell's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Russell a Good Place to Live?
B+
3.5 / 5.0 - Good
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Russell residents earn a median household income of $50,750 , which is 32% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $28,502. The unemployment rate stands at 0.9% (75% below the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 185 business establishments, including 8 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Russell is $60,400 , 79% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $176,143. Median rent is $775/month, with 27.3% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 87.8 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1938.
Education
5.1% of adults in Russell hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(85% below the national average).
83.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.7/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Russell has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C).
Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population551
Median Age56.8 yrs
Density535/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Foreign Born0.0%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$50,750
Per Capita$28,502
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$316M
Avg Weekly Wage$968
Housing
A+
Home Value$60,400
Rent$775
Ownership90.8%
Zillow$176,143
Housing Units341
Rent Burden27.3%
Health
Obesity39.8%
Diabetes10.4%
Smoking19.0%
Heart Disease6.2%
Premature Death8,502/100K
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
Rain37.3 in/yr
Elevation1,021 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.1%
High School+83.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.7/10
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute24 min
Broadband74.6%
Internet Speed128 Mbps
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Did You Know?
Russell was founded in 1887.
The median home in Russell was built in 1938.
The nearest airport is Ottumwa Regional (40 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.460 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Very Low" by FEMA.
33.4% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 128 Mbps.
The county recorded 1 fatal vehicle crashes.