Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$103,400
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
580/100K
53% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.4%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$650
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Ruthven Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population766
Median Age36.6 yrs
Density1,868/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$28,210
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$796M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$103,400
Rent$650
Ownership76.6%
Zillow$174,396
Housing Units367
Rent Burden19.2%
Crime
F
Violent580/100K
Property1,134/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking14.7%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,436 ft (438 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.4%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute23 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Ruthven a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ruthven receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ruthven offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ruthven is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ruthven is $103,400, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $650 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 580 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,134 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
15.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Ruthven experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.6 inches, including 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ruthven has a population of 766 with a density of 1,868 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 36.6 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (81.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.4% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.6yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.4%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Ruthven is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,210 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $912, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 336 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,210 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $912 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,314 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 336 |
| County GDP | $796M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,525 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Ruthven is $103,400, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,396, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $650 (44% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 367 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,525. 19.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $103,400 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $174,396 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $650 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.4% |
| Housing Units | 367 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,525 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.41% |
In Ruthven, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,227. The dentist ratio is 1:4,382. 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ruthven vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,227 |
| Dentists | 1:4,382 |
| Mental Health | 1:801 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 69.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,822/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Ruthven has a violent crime rate of 580 per 100,000 residents, 53% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,134 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ruthven receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ruthven vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 580.3/100K |
| 53% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,134.3/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ruthven experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.6 inches. The area receives 37.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,436 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.3°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,436 ft (438 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,868/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1301°N, 94.8987°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Palo Alto County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
54 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.6"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0475 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
38 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
554 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 185 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
61 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
54 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1973 |
EF3 |
86 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 |
7 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Ruthven has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 17°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Ruthven. 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 | $644 |
| Toddler | $555 |
| Preschool | $555 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $435 |
| Toddler | $428 |
| Preschool | $428 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruthven
What is the population of Ruthven?
Ruthven has a population of 766 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,868 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Ruthven expensive to live in?
Ruthven 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 $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $103,400 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $650 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ruthven safe?
The violent crime rate in Ruthven is 580 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 1,134 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ruthven receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ruthven?
Ruthven has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.6 inches, with 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ruthven?
The job market in Ruthven is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $912. There are 336 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ruthven?
The median home value in Ruthven is $103,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $174,396. For renters, the median monthly rent is $650. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,525.
How are the schools in Ruthven?
Schools in Ruthven score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.4% of adults in Ruthven hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ruthven?
The obesity rate in Ruthven is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,227.
What is transportation like in Ruthven?
The average commute in Ruthven is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ruthven?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ruthven is 81.7% White. 95.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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