Median Income
$58,750
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,700
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
31/100K
92% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.9%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$861
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Stanwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population520
Median Age47.8 yrs
Density650/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans13.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,750
Per Capita$35,348
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$811M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,700
Rent$861
Ownership83.5%
Zillow$173,673
Housing Units268
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent31/100K
Property1,973/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking16.6%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation844 ft (257 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.9%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute30 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Stanwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Stanwood receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Stanwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Stanwood is $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Stanwood is $137,700, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $861 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Stanwood is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 31 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,973 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Stanwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Stanwood has a population of 520 with a density of 650 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 47.8 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%), with 2.1% Hispanic, 3.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.8% of residents. 13.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.8yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.8%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.2%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Stanwood is $58,750, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,348. The average weekly wage is $947, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 588 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,750 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,348 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $947 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,774 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 588 |
| County GDP | $811M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 41 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,113 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Stanwood is $137,700, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,673, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $861 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 268 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $4,113 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,700 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $173,673 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $861 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.5% |
| Housing Units | 268 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,113 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.99% |
In Stanwood, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,137. The dentist ratio is 1:1,840. 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Stanwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,137 |
| Dentists | 1:1,840 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,664 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 63.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,019/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 41 |
Stanwood has a violent crime rate of 31 per 100,000 residents, 92% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,973 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Stanwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Stanwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 31.3/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,973.1/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Stanwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°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 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 844 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.3°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 844 ft (257 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 650/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.8927°N, 91.1488°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cedar County County |
| Nearest Airport | Monticello Regional (MXO)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.1 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
664 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 294 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
19 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
70 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 |
87 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
87 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Stanwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Stanwood. 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 | $722 |
| Toddler | $622 |
| Preschool | $622 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $475 |
| Toddler | $467 |
| Preschool | $467 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stanwood
What is the population of Stanwood?
Stanwood has a population of 520 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 650 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Stanwood expensive to live in?
Stanwood 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 $58,750, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,700 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $861 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Stanwood safe?
Stanwood is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 31 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,973 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Stanwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Stanwood?
Stanwood 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 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Stanwood?
The job market in Stanwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $947. There are 588 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Stanwood?
The median home value in Stanwood is $137,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $173,673. For renters, the median monthly rent is $861. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,113.
How are the schools in Stanwood?
Schools in Stanwood score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.9% of adults in Stanwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Stanwood?
The obesity rate in Stanwood is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,137.
What is transportation like in Stanwood?
The average commute in Stanwood is 30 minutes. 85.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Stanwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Stanwood is 92.7% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.8% of residents speak only English at home. 13.8% of the population are military veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
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