Median Income
$46,964
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,700
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.8%
92% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
66% lower than US avg
How Sharpsburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population79
Median Age53.8 yrs
Density219/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans71.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,964
Per Capita$25,596
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty4.2%
County GDP$376M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,700
Ownership90.3%
Zillow$116,430
Housing Units46
Rent Burden18.2%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property1,872/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking15.2%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,267 ft (386 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.8%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.10
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute24 min
Broadband31.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Sharpsburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sharpsburg receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Sharpsburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sharpsburg is $46,964, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sharpsburg is $96,700, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sharpsburg is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
2.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sharpsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sharpsburg has a population of 79 with a density of 219 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 53.8 years, 38% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.7% female and 44.3% male. The city is predominantly White (97.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 71.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.8yrs
Median Age
38% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sharpsburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sharpsburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sharpsburg is $46,964, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,596 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 192 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sharpsburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,964 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,596 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,359 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.2% |
| 66% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 192 |
| County GDP | $376M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,560 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 59.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Sharpsburg is $96,700, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $116,430, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 46 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,560. 18.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,700 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $116,430 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.7% |
| Housing Units | 46 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,560 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.68% |
In Sharpsburg, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 15.2% are current smokers. 19.5% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 20.2% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,956. The dentist ratio is 1:2,929. 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sharpsburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.2% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,956 |
| Dentists | 1:2,929 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,924 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,565/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Sharpsburg has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,872 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. Overall, Sharpsburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sharpsburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 265.7/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,872.5/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sharpsburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,267 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,267 ft (386 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 219/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8045°N, 94.6381°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Taylor County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
68 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Dec 17, 2009.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
113 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
79 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
43 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
564 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 23 fatalities, 271 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
27 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
60 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
67 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 1994 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
76 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
93 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
94 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Sharpsburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Sharpsburg. 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 | $666 |
| Toddler | $574 |
| Preschool | $574 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $438 |
| Toddler | $431 |
| Preschool | $431 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sharpsburg
What is the population of Sharpsburg?
Sharpsburg has a population of 79 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 219 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.7% female and 44.3% male.
Is Sharpsburg expensive to live in?
Sharpsburg 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 $46,964, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,700 (66% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sharpsburg safe?
Sharpsburg is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Sharpsburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sharpsburg?
Sharpsburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sharpsburg?
The job market in Sharpsburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 192 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sharpsburg?
The median home value in Sharpsburg is $96,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $116,430. The homeownership rate is 90.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,560.
How are the schools in Sharpsburg?
Schools in Sharpsburg score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.8% of adults in Sharpsburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sharpsburg?
The obesity rate in Sharpsburg is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.2% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 60.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,956.
What is transportation like in Sharpsburg?
The average commute in Sharpsburg is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 59% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sharpsburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sharpsburg is 97.5% White. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 71.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
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