Median Income
$60,000
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$58,600
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
118/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.8%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$880
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How Scranton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population434
Median Age49.9 yrs
Density233/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans10.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,000
Per Capita$27,976
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$721M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$58,600
Rent$880
Ownership60.4%
Zillow$175,589
Housing Units252
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
F
Violent118/100K
Property1,346/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured7.6%
Smoking17.3%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,178 ft (359 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.8%
High School+87.1%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.72
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute23 min
Broadband91.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Scranton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Scranton 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. Scranton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Scranton is $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Scranton is $58,600, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Scranton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Scranton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°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 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Scranton has a population of 434 with a density of 233 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 49.9 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.7% female and 55.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 10.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.9yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Scranton is $60,000, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,976 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,036, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 310 business establishments, including 17 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. 1.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,000 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,976 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,036 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,253 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 310 |
| County GDP | $721M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,447 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.88% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.3% |
The median home value in Scranton is $58,600, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,589, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $880 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 252 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,447. 37.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $58,600 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,589 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $880 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.6% |
| Housing Units | 252 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,447 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.88% |
In Scranton, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.1% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,453. The dentist ratio is 1:2,914. 63.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Scranton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.6% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,453 |
| Dentists | 1:2,914 |
| Mental Health | 1:954 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,201/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Scranton has a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. Overall, Scranton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Scranton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 118.0/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,345.6/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Scranton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°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 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,178 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,178 ft (359 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 233/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0192°N, 94.5492°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Greene County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.7"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
682 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 16 fatalities, 288 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
65 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
92 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
83 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
32 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 14, 1994 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Scranton has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Scranton. 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 | $692 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Scranton
What is the population of Scranton?
Scranton has a population of 434 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 233 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.7% female and 55.3% male.
Is Scranton expensive to live in?
Scranton 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 $60,000, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $58,600 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Scranton safe?
Scranton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Scranton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Scranton?
Scranton 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 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Scranton?
The job market in Scranton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,036. There are 310 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 1.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Scranton?
The median home value in Scranton is $58,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,589. For renters, the median monthly rent is $880. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,447.
How are the schools in Scranton?
Schools in Scranton score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.8% of adults in Scranton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Scranton?
The obesity rate in Scranton is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 7.6% lack health insurance. 63.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,453.
What is transportation like in Scranton?
The average commute in Scranton is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Scranton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Scranton is 91.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 10.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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