Violent Crime
165/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.7%
71% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.9%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Sperry Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population93
Median Age49.3 yrs
Density42/mi²
Male / Female65% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans93.0%
Economy
Per Capita$66,573
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,924M
Commute17 min
Housing
Ownership70.3%
Zillow$297,447
Housing Units70
Rent Burden16.3%
Crime
F
Violent165/100K
Property8,391/100K
Health
Obesity32.9%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking14.8%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation758 ft (231 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.7%
High School+93.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute17 min
Broadband64.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Sperry a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sperry receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Sperry faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sperry is below the national average at 165 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,391 per 100,000, 328% above the national average.
Education
9.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Sperry experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 24°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 37.2 inches, including 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sperry has a population of 93 with a density of 42 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 49.3 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 35.5% female and 64.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 93.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.3yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $66,573 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,014, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,405 business establishments, including 101 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $66,573 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,014 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,958 |
| Gini Index | 0.475 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,405 |
| County GDP | $2,924M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 101 |
| Healthcare | 142 |
| Retail | 168 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,670 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $297,447. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 70 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,670 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 70.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.7% |
| Housing Units | 70 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,670 |
| 33% above US avg |
In Sperry, 32.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,327. The dentist ratio is 1:1,596. 82.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sperry vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.9% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 30.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,327 |
| Dentists | 1:1,596 |
| Mental Health | 1:379 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 71.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,424/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 142 |
Sperry has a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 8,391 per 100,000, 328% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Sperry receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sperry vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 165.2/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 8,391.2/100K |
| 328% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sperry experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°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 37.2 inches. The area receives 16.9 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 758 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 51.9°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 758 ft (231 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 42/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9620°N, 91.1641°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Des Moines County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 89.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
585 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 407 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
18 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
18 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
19 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
17 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Sperry has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Sperry. 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 | $706 |
| Toddler | $609 |
| Preschool | $609 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $477 |
| Toddler | $469 |
| Preschool | $469 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sperry
What is the population of Sperry?
Sperry has a population of 93 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 42 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 35.5% female and 64.5% male.
Is Sperry expensive to live in?
Sperry is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Sperry safe?
Sperry is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 8,391 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sperry receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sperry?
Sperry has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°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 37.2 inches, with 16.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sperry?
The job market in Sperry is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,014. There are 1,405 business establishments in the area, including 101 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Sperry?
Schools in Sperry score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.7% of adults in Sperry hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sperry?
The obesity rate in Sperry is 32.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,327.
What is transportation like in Sperry?
The average commute in Sperry is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sperry?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sperry is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 93.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 87.1% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
