Median Income
$87,708
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$222,000
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.0%
1% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$877
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.6%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Slater Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,498
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density784/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$87,708
Per Capita$42,130
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$63,823M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$222,000
Rent$877
Ownership86.6%
Zillow$278,430
Housing Units678
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property825/100K
Health
Obesity32.6%
Uninsured5.1%
Smoking11.9%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,032 ft (315 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.0%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+11.8%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute23 min
Broadband94.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries19
Is Slater a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Slater receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Slater stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Slater is $87,708, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 2.6% 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 Slater is $222,000, 21% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $877 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Slater is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 825 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Slater experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches, including 27.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Slater has a population of 1,498 with a density of 784 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 39.0 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 7.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.0yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.0%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Slater is $87,708, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,130. The average weekly wage is $1,395. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 20,581 business establishments, including 1,227 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). 14.7% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,708 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,130 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,395 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,610 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 20,581 |
| County GDP | $63,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,227 |
| Healthcare | 1,513 |
| Retail | 1,606 |
| Manufacturing | 341 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.7% |
The median home value in Slater is $222,000, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,430, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $877 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 678 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $6,943 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $222,000 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $278,430 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $877 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.4% |
| Housing Units | 678 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.13% |
In Slater, 32.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 28.0% have high blood pressure. 11.9% are current smokers. 25.0% report binge drinking. 18.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.0% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 5.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073. The dentist ratio is 1:1,259. 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Slater vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.6% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.0% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.9% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 25.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.3% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 9.9% |
| Short Sleep | 25.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 5.1% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,073 |
| Dentists | 1:1,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:285 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 77.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,653/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,513 |
Slater has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 825 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Slater receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Slater vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 824.6/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Slater experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 73°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 38.1 inches. The area receives 27.3 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 1,032 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,032 ft (315 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 784/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8807°N, 93.6912°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.1"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0449 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.2 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
723 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 387 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
100 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
97 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
84 km |
6 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
16 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
18 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Slater has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Slater. 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 | $768 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $662 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $507 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Slater
What is the population of Slater?
Slater has a population of 1,498 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 784 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.0 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Slater expensive to live in?
Slater 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 $87,708, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $222,000 (21% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $877 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Slater safe?
Slater is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 825 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Slater receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Slater?
Slater 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 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.1 inches, with 27.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Slater?
The job market in Slater is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,395. There are 20,581 business establishments in the area, including 1,227 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 14.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Slater?
The median home value in Slater is $222,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $278,430. For renters, the median monthly rent is $877. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,943.
How are the schools in Slater?
Schools in Slater score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.0% of adults in Slater hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 11.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Slater?
The obesity rate in Slater is 32.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.9% of adults are smokers. 18.3% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 5.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073.
What is transportation like in Slater?
The average commute in Slater is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Slater?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Slater is 93.9% White. 95% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 7.8% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
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