Median Income
$59,432
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$74,000
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
362/100K
5% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.9%
80% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How Superior Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population132
Median Age47.4 yrs
Density307/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans94.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,432
Per Capita$24,655
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$519M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,000
Ownership98.2%
Zillow$117,842
Housing Units77
Rent Burden23.7%
Crime
F
Violent362/100K
Property1,120/100K
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured5.8%
Smoking12.3%
Depression19.4%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,494 ft (455 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute21 min
Broadband57.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Superior a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Superior receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Superior has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Superior is $59,432, 21% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Superior is $74,000, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Superior is below the national average at 362 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,120 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
6.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Superior has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Superior has a population of 132 with a density of 307 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 47.4 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.3% female and 47.7% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 94.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.4yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Superior is $59,432, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,655 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $925, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 330 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,432 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,655 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $925 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,021 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 330 |
| County GDP | $519M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 28 |
| Retail | 43 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.31% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Superior is $74,000, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,842, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 98.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 77 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $3,190. 23.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,000 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $117,842 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 98.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 98.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 1.8% |
| Housing Units | 77 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,190 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.31% |
In Superior, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 12.3% are current smokers. 23.8% report binge drinking. 19.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.4% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 5.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553. The dentist ratio is 1:2,294. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Superior vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.3% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.4% |
| Depression | 19.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 9.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.8% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,553 |
| Dentists | 1:2,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:385 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 72.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,705/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 28 |
Superior has a violent crime rate of 362 per 100,000 residents, 5% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,120 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Superior receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Superior vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 362.3/100K |
| 5% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,119.7/100K |
| 43% 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 |
Superior has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,494 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.8°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,494 ft (455 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 307/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.4336°N, 94.9466°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
72 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.7"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
113 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
543 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 9 fatalities, 231 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
96 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
94 km |
3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
60 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1953 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
28 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Superior has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Superior. 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 | $667 |
| Toddler | $575 |
| Preschool | $575 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $450 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $443 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Superior
What is the population of Superior?
Superior has a population of 132 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 307 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.3% female and 47.7% male.
Is Superior expensive to live in?
Superior 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 $59,432, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,000 (74% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Superior safe?
Superior is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 362 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,120 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Superior receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Superior?
Superior has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Superior?
Superior has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $925. There are 330 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Superior?
The median home value in Superior is $74,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $117,842. The homeownership rate is 98.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,190.
How are the schools in Superior?
Schools in Superior score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.9% of adults in Superior hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Superior?
The obesity rate in Superior is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.3% of adults are smokers. 19.4% are physically inactive. 19.4% of residents report depression. 5.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,553.
What is transportation like in Superior?
The average commute in Superior is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Superior?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Superior is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 94.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
