Median Income
$40,833
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$81,100
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
319/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.9%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$580
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.9%
77% lower than US avg
How Stratford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population696
Median Age59.3 yrs
Density382/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$40,833
Per Capita$27,656
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty2.9%
County GDP$1,116M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$81,100
Rent$580
Ownership82.2%
Zillow$187,333
Housing Units396
Rent Burden40.0%
Crime
F
Violent319/100K
Property1,838/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking16.4%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,114 ft (340 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.9%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute27 min
Broadband74.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Stratford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Stratford receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Stratford has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Stratford is $40,833, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Stratford is $81,100, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $580 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Stratford is below the national average at 319 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,838 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
9.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Stratford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches, including 32.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Stratford has a population of 696 with a density of 382 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 59.3 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57% female and 43% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 1.1% Hispanic, 4.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.4% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.3yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Stratford vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.4%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Stratford vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Stratford is $40,833, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,656 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,018, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 487 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Stratford vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,833 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,656 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,018 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,752 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.9% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 487 |
| County GDP | $1,116M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 22 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,538 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Stratford is $81,100, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $187,333, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $580 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 396 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,538 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $81,100 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $187,333 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $580 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 40.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.8% |
| Housing Units | 396 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,538 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.60% |
In Stratford, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,722. The dentist ratio is 1:2,964. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Stratford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,722 |
| Dentists | 1:2,964 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,227 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,954/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Stratford has a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,838 per 100,000, 6% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Stratford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Stratford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 319.0/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,837.7/100K |
| 6% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Stratford experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.2 inches. The area receives 32.9 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 1,114 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.1°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,114 ft (340 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 382/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2696°N, 93.9274°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hamilton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.2"
2% 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 | 42.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 71.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| 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)
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 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
712 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 43 fatalities, 1,086 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
92 km |
9 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
87 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
63 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
10 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
65 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
70 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 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Stratford has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Stratford. 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 | $696 |
| Toddler | $600 |
| Preschool | $600 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $462 |
| Preschool | $462 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stratford
What is the population of Stratford?
Stratford has a population of 696 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 382 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57% female and 43% male.
Is Stratford expensive to live in?
Stratford 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 $40,833, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $81,100 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $580 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Stratford safe?
Stratford is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,838 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Stratford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Stratford?
Stratford has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.2 inches, with 32.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Stratford?
The job market in Stratford is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,018. There are 487 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Stratford?
The median home value in Stratford is $81,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $187,333. For renters, the median monthly rent is $580. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,538.
How are the schools in Stratford?
Schools in Stratford score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.9% of adults in Stratford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Stratford?
The obesity rate in Stratford is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,722.
What is transportation like in Stratford?
The average commute in Stratford is 27 minutes. 81.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Stratford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Stratford is 90.2% White, 4.3% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
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