Median Income
$49,375
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,000
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
411/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.0%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$595
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.5%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.4%
56% higher than US avg
How Soldier Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population123
Median Age58.4 yrs
Density397/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans14.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,375
Per Capita$35,335
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty19.4%
County GDP$675M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,000
Rent$595
Ownership70.8%
Zillow$108,865
Housing Units98
Rent Burden18.1%
Crime
F
Violent411/100K
Property1,984/100K
Health
Obesity42.5%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking17.2%
Depression23.2%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,172 ft (357 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.0%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute27 min
Broadband65.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Soldier a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Soldier 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. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Soldier has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Soldier is $49,375, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. The poverty rate of 19.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Soldier is $75,000, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $595 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 411 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,984 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
17.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Soldier experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.4 inches, including 28.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Soldier has a population of 123 with a density of 397 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 58.4 years, 50% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%), with 4.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 14.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.4yrs
Median Age
50% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
The median household income in Soldier is $49,375, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,335. The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 472 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 11.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,375 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,335 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,751 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.4% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 472 |
| County GDP | $675M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 40 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,152 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.54% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.1% |
The median home value in Soldier is $75,000, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,865, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $595 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 98 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,152 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $75,000 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $108,865 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $595 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.2% |
| Housing Units | 98 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,152 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.54% |
In Soldier, 42.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 25.6% are physically inactive. 23.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,934. The dentist ratio is 1:2,094. 33.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Soldier vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.6% |
| Depression | 23.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,934 |
| Dentists | 1:2,094 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,630 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 66.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,755/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 33.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Soldier has a violent crime rate of 411 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,984 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Soldier receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Soldier vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 410.5/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,984.3/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Soldier experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 75°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 34.4 inches. The area receives 28.7 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 1,172 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.1°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,172 ft (357 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 397/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9843°N, 95.7804°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Harrison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.4"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
547 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 459 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
35 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
43 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Soldier has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Soldier. 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 | $719 |
| Toddler | $620 |
| Preschool | $620 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $472 |
| Toddler | $465 |
| Preschool | $465 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Soldier
What is the population of Soldier?
Soldier has a population of 123 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 397 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Soldier expensive to live in?
Soldier 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 $49,375, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,000 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $595 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Soldier safe?
The violent crime rate in Soldier is 411 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,984 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Soldier receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Soldier?
Soldier has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.4 inches, with 28.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Soldier?
The job market in Soldier is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 472 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 11.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Soldier?
The median home value in Soldier is $75,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,865. For renters, the median monthly rent is $595. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,152.
How are the schools in Soldier?
Schools in Soldier score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.0% of adults in Soldier hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Soldier?
The obesity rate in Soldier is 42.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 25.6% are physically inactive. 23.2% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 33.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,934.
What is transportation like in Soldier?
The average commute in Soldier is 27 minutes. 73% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Soldier?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Soldier is 94.3% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 14.2% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 92.8% have health insurance coverage.
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