Median Income
$60,417
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,300
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
626/100K
65% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.1%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$955
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.1%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
65% lower than US avg
How Sabula Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population543
Median Age49.6 yrs
Density1,086/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,417
Per Capita$31,523
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty4.4%
County GDP$1,138M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,300
Rent$955
Ownership77.7%
Zillow$220,674
Housing Units288
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent626/100K
Property4,618/100K
Health
Obesity41.1%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking18.1%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation582 ft (177 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.1%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute22 min
Broadband75.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Sabula a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sabula receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Sabula has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sabula is $60,417, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sabula is $116,300, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $955 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 626 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,618 per 100,000, 136% above the national average.
Education
5.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Sabula experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches, including 30.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sabula has a population of 543 with a density of 1,086 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 49.6 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.6yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Sabula is $60,417, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,523 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $900, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 742 business establishments, including 92 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,417 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,523 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $900 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,691 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.4% |
| 65% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 742 |
| County GDP | $1,138M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 92 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 117 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,976 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Sabula is $116,300, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,674, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $955 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 288 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $6,976 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $116,300 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $220,674 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $955 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.3% |
| Housing Units | 288 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,976 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.00% |
In Sabula, 41.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.4% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 23.0% report depression. 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,194. The dentist ratio is 1:1,554. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sabula vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,194 |
| Dentists | 1:1,554 |
| Mental Health | 1:906 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,364/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Sabula has a violent crime rate of 626 per 100,000 residents, 65% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,618 per 100,000, 136% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sabula receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sabula vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 625.6/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,618.0/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sabula experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. The area receives 30.2 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 582 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 582 ft (177 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,086/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0702°N, 90.1825°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jo Daviess County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
73 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
602 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 223 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
78 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
12 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1966 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1962 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Sabula has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Sabula. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Sabula
What is the population of Sabula?
Sabula has a population of 543 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,086 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Sabula expensive to live in?
Sabula 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 $60,417, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,300 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $955 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sabula safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sabula, with a violent crime rate of 626 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,618 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sabula receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sabula?
Sabula has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches, with 30.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sabula?
The job market in Sabula is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $900. There are 742 business establishments in the area, including 92 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sabula?
The median home value in Sabula is $116,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $220,674. For renters, the median monthly rent is $955. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,976.
How are the schools in Sabula?
Schools in Sabula score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.1% of adults in Sabula hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sabula?
The obesity rate in Sabula is 41.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,194.
What is transportation like in Sabula?
The average commute in Sabula is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sabula?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sabula is 97.6% White. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 98.9% have health insurance coverage.
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