Median Income
$73,558
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$205,800
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.7%
6% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$956
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.1%
2% lower than US avg
How Story City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,363
Median Age44.6 yrs
Density1,132/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$73,558
Per Capita$41,496
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty12.1%
County GDP$7,790M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$205,800
Rent$956
Ownership74.6%
Zillow$286,425
Housing Units1,612
Rent Burden34.2%
Health
Obesity33.8%
Uninsured0.7%
Smoking12.9%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Elevation967 ft (295 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.7%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+9.1%
School Score6.79
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute23 min
Broadband89.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries13
Is Story City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Story City receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Story City stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Story City is $73,558, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Story City is $205,800, 27% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.8/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Story City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches, including 32.2 inches of snow.
Story City has a population of 3,363 with a density of 1,132 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 44.6 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96.3%), with 4.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,363
Total Population
2023 Census
44.6yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Story City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Story City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Story City is $73,558, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,496. The average weekly wage is $1,204, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,066 business establishments, including 268 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Story City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,558 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,496 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,204 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,259 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.1% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,066 |
| County GDP | $7,790M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 268 |
| Healthcare | 229 |
| Retail | 275 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,724 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Story City is $205,800, 27% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $286,425, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $193,000 with homes selling in an average of 74 days. Homes sell for 98.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $956 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,026 for a one-bedroom to $1,153 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,612 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $5,724 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $205,800 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $286,425 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $193,000 |
| Median List Price | $146,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $193,000 |
| Median List Price | $146,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $145 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 74 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.3% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 9 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $956 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $972 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,026 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,153 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,601 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,934 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,612 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,724 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.78% |
In Story City, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 24.4% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.4% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 0.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,554. The dentist ratio is 1:1,954. 92.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Story City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.8% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 10.6% |
| Short Sleep | 28.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| Uninsured | 0.7% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,554 |
| Dentists | 1:1,954 |
| Mental Health | 1:378 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 72.0% |
| Premature Death | 4,947/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 229 |
Story City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches. The area receives 32.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 967 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 967 ft (295 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,132/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1857°N, 93.5869°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Story County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.52"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| 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: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
735 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 44 fatalities, 1,101 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
71 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
75 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
69 km |
6 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
51 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
94 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (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 |
72 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 |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Story City has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Story City. 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 | $738 |
| Toddler | $636 |
| Preschool | $636 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $498 |
| Toddler | $490 |
| Preschool | $490 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Story City
What is the population of Story City?
Story City has a population of 3,363 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,132 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Story City expensive to live in?
Story City 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 $73,558, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $205,800 (27% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Story City?
Story City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 36.3 inches, with 32.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Story City?
Story City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,204. There are 3,066 business establishments in the area, including 268 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Story City?
The median home value in Story City is $205,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $286,425. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $193,000, with homes typically selling within 74 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $956. Fair market rent is $1,026 for a 1-bedroom and $1,153 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,724.
How are the schools in Story City?
Schools in Story City score 6.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.7% of adults in Story City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Story City?
The obesity rate in Story City is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 0.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,554.
What is transportation like in Story City?
The average commute in Story City is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Story City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Story City is 96.3% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.