Median Income
$88,750
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$76,700
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How St. Olaf Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population75
Median Age49.7 yrs
Density313/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans65.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$88,750
Per Capita$40,461
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$1,177M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,700
Rent$775
Ownership75.7%
Zillow$283,956
Housing Units48
Rent Burden31.3%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property52/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking17.1%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation867 ft (264 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score5.52
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute18 min
Broadband37.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is St. Olaf a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. Olaf receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. St. Olaf offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in St. Olaf is $88,750, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in St. Olaf is $76,700, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
St. Olaf 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 52 per 100,000, 97% below the national average.
Education
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
St. Olaf experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches, including 35.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
St. Olaf has a population of 75 with a density of 313 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 49.7 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.3% female and 58.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 65.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.7yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in St. Olaf is $88,750, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,461. The average weekly wage is $987, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 614 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,750 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,461 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $987 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,538 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 614 |
| County GDP | $1,177M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 88 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,527 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in St. Olaf is $76,700, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,956, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 48 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,527. 31.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,700 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $283,956 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.3% |
| Housing Units | 48 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,527 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.60% |
In St. Olaf, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.2% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,428. The dentist ratio is 1:2,128. 61.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: St. Olaf vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,428 |
| Dentists | 1:2,128 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,242 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,442/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
St. Olaf has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 52 per 100,000, 97% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, St. Olaf receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: St. Olaf vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 51.8/100K |
| 97% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
St. Olaf experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches. The area receives 35.6 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 867 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 867 ft (264 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 313/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9268°N, 91.3877°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clayton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
480 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 10 fatalities, 363 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
53 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
14 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
St. Olaf has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in St. Olaf. 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 | $692 |
| Toddler | $596 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $447 |
| Preschool | $447 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Olaf
What is the population of St. Olaf?
St. Olaf has a population of 75 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 313 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.3% female and 58.7% male.
Is St. Olaf expensive to live in?
St. Olaf 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 $88,750, 18% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,700 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is St. Olaf safe?
St. Olaf 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 52 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, St. Olaf receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in St. Olaf?
St. Olaf has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.8 inches, with 35.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in St. Olaf?
St. Olaf has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $987. There are 614 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. Olaf?
The median home value in St. Olaf is $76,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,956. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,527.
How are the schools in St. Olaf?
Schools in St. Olaf score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.3% of adults in St. Olaf hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Olaf?
The obesity rate in St. Olaf is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 61.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,428.
What is transportation like in St. Olaf?
The average commute in St. Olaf is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. Olaf?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Olaf is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 65.0% of the population are military veterans. 5.6% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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