Median Income
$50,208
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,200
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.8%
74% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.7%
75% higher than US avg
How South English Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population212
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density684/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,208
Per Capita$28,796
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty21.7%
County GDP$443M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,200
Ownership85.6%
Zillow$199,008
Housing Units127
Rent Burden21.9%
Health
Obesity42.7%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking19.4%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
Rain38.1 in/yr
Elevation845 ft (258 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.8%
High School+89.5%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute33 min
Broadband84.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is South English a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South English receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. South English offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South English is $50,208, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 21.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South English is $77,200, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
South English experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches, including 28.1 inches of snow.
South English has a population of 212 with a density of 684 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.3% female and 54.7% male. The city is predominantly White (87.3%), with 11.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 23.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
212
Total Population
2023 Census
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South English vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South English vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South English is $50,208, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,796 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 21.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 316 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South English vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,208 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,796 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,794 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.7% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 316 |
| County GDP | $443M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.9% |
The median home value in South English is $77,200, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,008, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 127 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $2,438 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.9% 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 | $77,200 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,008 |
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 | 85.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.4% |
| Housing Units | 127 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
In South English, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.9% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.2% report depression. 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914. The dentist ratio is 1:2,476. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: South English vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.7% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,914 |
| Dentists | 1:2,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:9,914 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,349/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
South English experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches. The area receives 28.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 845 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 845 ft (258 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 684/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4522°N, 92.0903°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Keokuk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.1"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.30"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
583 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 294 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
84 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
92 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
46 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
South English has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in South English. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $597 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About South English
What is the population of South English?
South English has a population of 212 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 684 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.3% female and 54.7% male.
Is South English expensive to live in?
South English 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 $50,208, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,200 (73% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in South English?
South English has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 38.1 inches, with 28.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in South English?
South English has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 316 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 0.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South English?
The median home value in South English is $77,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,008. The homeownership rate is 85.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,438.
How are the schools in South English?
Schools in South English score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.8% of adults in South English hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.5% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South English?
The obesity rate in South English is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914.
What is transportation like in South English?
The average commute in South English is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of South English?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South English is 87.3% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 11.3% Hispanic or Latino. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 23.6% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.