Median Income
$53,393
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$86,900
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$591
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.8%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Sutherland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population570
Median Age54.3 yrs
Density671/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans15.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,393
Per Capita$39,636
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$1,087M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$86,900
Rent$591
Ownership80.2%
Zillow$160,123
Housing Units307
Rent Burden26.6%
Health
Obesity37.8%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking16.0%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain31.3 in/yr
Elevation1,421 ft (433 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+3.0%
School Score5.65
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 26%
Commute21 min
Broadband83.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Sutherland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sutherland receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Sutherland offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sutherland is $53,393, 29% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sutherland is $86,900, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $591 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Sutherland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.3 inches, including 34.8 inches of snow.
Sutherland has a population of 570 with a density of 671 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 54.3 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.1% female and 44.9% male. The city is predominantly White (93.3%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.5% of residents. 15.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
570
Total Population
2023 Census
54.3yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sutherland vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.5%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sutherland vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sutherland is $53,393, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,636. The average weekly wage is $970, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 452 business establishments, including 30 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). 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sutherland vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,393 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,636 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $970 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,807 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 452 |
| County GDP | $1,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 45 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Sutherland is $86,900, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,123, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $591 (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. 80.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 307 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $3,325. 26.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $86,900 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,123 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $591 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.8% |
| Housing Units | 307 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,325 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.83% |
In Sutherland, 37.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,917. The dentist ratio is 1:3,830. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sutherland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.8% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,917 |
| Dentists | 1:3,830 |
| Mental Health | 1:725 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 70.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,020/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Sutherland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 31.3 inches. The area receives 34.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,421 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,421 ft (433 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 671/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9729°N, 95.4952°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cherokee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.3"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.98"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
36 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
595 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 167 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
52 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Sutherland has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 18°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.0") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Sutherland. 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 | $649 |
| Toddler | $559 |
| Preschool | $559 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $438 |
| Toddler | $431 |
| Preschool | $431 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sutherland
What is the population of Sutherland?
Sutherland has a population of 570 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 671 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.1% female and 44.9% male.
Is Sutherland expensive to live in?
Sutherland 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 $53,393, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $86,900 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $591 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Sutherland?
Sutherland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 31.3 inches, with 34.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Sutherland?
Sutherland has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $970. There are 452 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sutherland?
The median home value in Sutherland is $86,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,123. For renters, the median monthly rent is $591. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,325.
How are the schools in Sutherland?
Schools in Sutherland score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.3% of adults in Sutherland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 3.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sutherland?
The obesity rate in Sutherland is 37.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,917.
What is transportation like in Sutherland?
The average commute in Sutherland is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sutherland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sutherland is 93.3% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.5% of residents speak only English at home. 15.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.8% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.