Median Income
$56,174
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,900
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
627/100K
65% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.1%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$598
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
36% lower than US avg
How Sumner Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,159
Median Age47.1 yrs
Density878/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,174
Per Capita$35,772
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty7.9%
County GDP$1,581M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$111,900
Rent$598
Ownership77.5%
Zillow$136,953
Housing Units1,004
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent627/100K
Property2,281/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking16.3%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,061 ft (323 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.1%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute18 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Sumner a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sumner receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Sumner offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sumner is $56,174, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 7.9% 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 Sumner is $111,900, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $598 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
With 627 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Sumner experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°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 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Sumner has a population of 2,159 with a density of 878 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 47.1 years, 21% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%), with 1.7% Hispanic, 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.1yrs
Median Age
21% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Sumner is $56,174, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,772. The average weekly wage is $1,011, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 749 business establishments, including 48 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). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,174 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,772 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,011 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,332 |
| Gini Index | 0.412 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 749 |
| County GDP | $1,581M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 48 |
| Healthcare | 73 |
| Retail | 72 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,930 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Sumner is $111,900, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,953, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $598 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,004 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $4,930 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.0% 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 | $111,900 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,953 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $598 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,004 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,930 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.41% |
In Sumner, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 23.8% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090. The dentist ratio is 1:1,684. 73.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sumner vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.8% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,090 |
| Dentists | 1:1,684 |
| Mental Health | 1:527 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,009/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 73 |
Sumner has a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 residents, 65% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,281 per 100,000, 16% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sumner receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sumner vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 626.6/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,281.5/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sumner experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°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 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,061 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,061 ft (323 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 878/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8494°N, 92.0972°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Bremer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.6"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
550 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 35 fatalities, 929 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
72 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
84 km |
13 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
24 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
62 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
71 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
46 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Sumner has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Sumner. 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 | $690 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $594 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sumner
What is the population of Sumner?
Sumner has a population of 2,159 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 878 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Sumner expensive to live in?
Sumner 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 $56,174, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,900 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $598 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 Sumner safe?
Public safety is a concern in Sumner, with a violent crime rate of 627 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sumner receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sumner?
Sumner 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 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Sumner?
The job market in Sumner is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,011. There are 749 business establishments in the area, including 48 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sumner?
The median home value in Sumner is $111,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,953. For renters, the median monthly rent is $598. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,930.
How are the schools in Sumner?
Schools in Sumner score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.1% of adults in Sumner hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sumner?
The obesity rate in Sumner is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 23.8% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 73.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090.
What is transportation like in Sumner?
The average commute in Sumner is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sumner?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sumner is 95.3% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 99.8% have health insurance coverage.
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