Median Income
$122,610
63% higher than US avg
Home Value
$287,600
2% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
180/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.9%
15% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,232
6% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
35% lower than US avg
How Sergeant Bluff Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,090
Median Age36.2 yrs
Density1,714/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$122,610
Per Capita$46,334
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$2,419M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$287,600
Rent$1,232
Ownership73.0%
Zillow$347,614
Housing Units1,809
Rent Burden19.0%
Crime
F
Violent180/100K
Property861/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault180/100K
Burglary180/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured5.7%
Smoking11.9%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain30.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,092 ft (333 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.9%
High School+97.0%
Graduate+13.1%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute14 min
Broadband96.1%
EV Stations11
Libraries3
Is Sergeant Bluff a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sergeant Bluff receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Sergeant Bluff offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sergeant Bluff is $122,610, which is significantly higher than the national average / 63% above $75,149. This places Sergeant Bluff among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sergeant Bluff is $287,600, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,232 per month. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sergeant Bluff is below the national average at 180 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 861 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Sergeant Bluff experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sergeant Bluff has a population of 5,090 with a density of 1,714 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 36.2 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.4%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.8% of residents, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.2yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sergeant Bluff vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.8%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.2%
46% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sergeant Bluff vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sergeant Bluff is $122,610, which is 63% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,334 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,144, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 504 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sergeant Bluff vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $122,610 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,334 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,144 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,044 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 504 |
| County GDP | $2,419M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 39 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Sergeant Bluff is $287,600, 2% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $347,614, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,232 (6% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,809 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1997. The average annual property tax is $4,248 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $287,600 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $347,614 |
| Median List Price | $367,250 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $367,250 |
| $/Sq Ft | $135 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.3% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,232 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,809 |
| Median Year Built | 1997 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,248 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.48% |
In Sergeant Bluff, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 11.9% are current smokers. 23.0% report binge drinking. 20.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.5% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 5.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080. The dentist ratio is 1:3,006. 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sergeant Bluff vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.9% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.4% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.7% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,080 |
| Dentists | 1:3,006 |
| Mental Health | 1:394 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,312/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 39 |
Sergeant Bluff has a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 180.3 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 861 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 601, burglary at 180, vehicle theft at 80 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sergeant Bluff receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sergeant Bluff vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 180.3/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 180.3/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 861.2/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Burglary | 180.3/100K |
| Theft | 600.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 80.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 34 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sergeant Bluff experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,092 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,092 ft (333 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,714/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.3975°N, 96.3509°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dakota County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.3"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
96 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
129 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
113 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
597 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 238 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
82 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
80 km |
1 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
69 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
97 km |
2 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Sergeant Bluff has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.8") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Sergeant Bluff. 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 | $1,055 |
| Toddler | $979 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sergeant Bluff
What is the population of Sergeant Bluff?
Sergeant Bluff has a population of 5,090 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,714 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Sergeant Bluff expensive to live in?
Sergeant Bluff 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 $122,610, 63% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $287,600 (2% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,232 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sergeant Bluff safe?
Sergeant Bluff is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 861 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sergeant Bluff receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sergeant Bluff?
Sergeant Bluff 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 75°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sergeant Bluff?
Sergeant Bluff has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,144. There are 504 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sergeant Bluff?
The median home value in Sergeant Bluff is $287,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $347,614. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,232. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,248.
How are the schools in Sergeant Bluff?
Schools in Sergeant Bluff score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.9% of adults in Sergeant Bluff hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. 13.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sergeant Bluff?
The obesity rate in Sergeant Bluff is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.9% of adults are smokers. 20.4% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 5.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 86.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,080.
What is transportation like in Sergeant Bluff?
The average commute in Sergeant Bluff is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sergeant Bluff?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sergeant Bluff is 90.4% White, 1.1% Black or African American. 92.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 12.5% of residents have a disability. 96.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
