Median Income
$44,583
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$78,300
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
96/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.5%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$755
35% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Steamboat Rock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population235
Median Age48.6 yrs
Density435/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$44,583
Per Capita$33,876
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,142M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$78,300
Rent$755
Ownership70.2%
Zillow$171,898
Housing Units153
Rent Burden34.2%
Crime
F
Violent96/100K
Property2,283/100K
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking17.6%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,009 ft (308 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.5%
High School+98.9%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute24 min
Broadband74.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Steamboat Rock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Steamboat Rock receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Steamboat Rock offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Steamboat Rock is $44,583, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Steamboat Rock is $78,300, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Steamboat Rock is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,283 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
17.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Steamboat Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 33.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Steamboat Rock has a population of 235 with a density of 435 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 48.6 years, 25% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46% female and 54% male. The city is predominantly White (95.7%), with 4.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.6yrs
Median Age
25% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Steamboat Rock vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Steamboat Rock vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Steamboat Rock is $44,583, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,876 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (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 650 business establishments, including 33 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Steamboat Rock vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,583 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,876 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,609 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 650 |
| County GDP | $1,142M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 33 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 64 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,023 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.14% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 60.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in Steamboat Rock is $78,300, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,898, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $755 (35% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 153 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,023. 34.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $78,300 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $171,898 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $755 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.8% |
| Housing Units | 153 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,023 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.14% |
In Steamboat Rock, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.2% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,785. The dentist ratio is 1:1,381. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Steamboat Rock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.6% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,785 |
| Dentists | 1:1,381 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,058 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,029/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Steamboat Rock has a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,283 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Steamboat Rock receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Steamboat Rock vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 95.9/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,283.2/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Steamboat Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. The area receives 33.2 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 1,009 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,009 ft (308 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 435/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4081°N, 93.0662°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hardin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.92"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
704 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 47 fatalities, 1,304 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
22 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
41 km |
13 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
98 km |
5 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
65 km |
6 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
88 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
90 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
83 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Steamboat Rock has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Steamboat Rock. 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 | $697 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $458 |
| Toddler | $450 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Steamboat Rock
What is the population of Steamboat Rock?
Steamboat Rock has a population of 235 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 435 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46% female and 54% male.
Is Steamboat Rock expensive to live in?
Steamboat Rock 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 $44,583, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $78,300 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $755 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Steamboat Rock safe?
Steamboat Rock is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 96 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,283 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Steamboat Rock receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Steamboat Rock?
Steamboat Rock has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 33.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Steamboat Rock?
The job market in Steamboat Rock is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 650 business establishments in the area, including 33 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Steamboat Rock?
The median home value in Steamboat Rock is $78,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $171,898. For renters, the median monthly rent is $755. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,023.
How are the schools in Steamboat Rock?
Schools in Steamboat Rock score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.5% of adults in Steamboat Rock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Steamboat Rock?
The obesity rate in Steamboat Rock is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 85.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,785.
What is transportation like in Steamboat Rock?
The average commute in Steamboat Rock is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 60.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Steamboat Rock?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Steamboat Rock is 95.7% White, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
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