Median Income
$47,500
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,000
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
209/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.8%
95% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$604
48% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.7%
70% lower than US avg
How Swaledale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population125
Median Age59.8 yrs
Density500/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans19.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$47,500
Per Capita$29,884
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty3.7%
County GDP$790M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,000
Rent$604
Ownership63.3%
Zillow$153,096
Housing Units72
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent209/100K
Property3,323/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking17.4%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,149 ft (350 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.8%
High School+96.3%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute33 min
Broadband60.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Swaledale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Swaledale receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Swaledale has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Swaledale is $47,500, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Swaledale is $55,000, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $604 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Swaledale is below the national average at 209 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,323 per 100,000, 70% above the national average.
Education
1.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Swaledale experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Swaledale has a population of 125 with a density of 500 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 59.8 years, 54% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44% female and 56% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 19.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.8yrs
Median Age
54% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Swaledale vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.5%
74% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Swaledale vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Swaledale is $47,500, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,884 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,024, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 364 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Swaledale vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,500 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,884 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,024 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,117 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.7% |
| 70% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 364 |
| County GDP | $790M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,431 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Swaledale is $55,000, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,096, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $604 (48% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 72 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,431. 9.0% 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 | $55,000 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $153,096 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $604 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.7% |
| Housing Units | 72 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,431 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.24% |
In Swaledale, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 17.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.1% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,952. The dentist ratio is 1:2,479. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Swaledale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,952 |
| Dentists | 1:2,479 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,292 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 67.6% |
| Premature Death | 9,806/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Swaledale has a violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,323 per 100,000, 70% above the U.S. average. Overall, Swaledale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Swaledale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 208.5/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,323.3/100K |
| 70% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Swaledale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,149 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,149 ft (350 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 500/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9765°N, 93.3155°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.1"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.7 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
146 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
651 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 55 fatalities, 1,060 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
59 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
28 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
34 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
93 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
67 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Swaledale has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Swaledale. 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 | $662 |
| Toddler | $571 |
| Preschool | $571 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $447 |
| Toddler | $440 |
| Preschool | $440 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Swaledale
What is the population of Swaledale?
Swaledale has a population of 125 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 500 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44% female and 56% male.
Is Swaledale expensive to live in?
Swaledale 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 $47,500, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,000 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $604 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Swaledale safe?
Swaledale is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,323 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Swaledale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Swaledale?
Swaledale has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Swaledale?
The job market in Swaledale is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,024. There are 364 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Swaledale?
The median home value in Swaledale is $55,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,096. For renters, the median monthly rent is $604. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,431.
How are the schools in Swaledale?
Schools in Swaledale score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 1.8% of adults in Swaledale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Swaledale?
The obesity rate in Swaledale is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.4% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,952.
What is transportation like in Swaledale?
The average commute in Swaledale is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Swaledale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Swaledale is 100% White. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.5% speak Spanish. 19.3% of the population are military veterans. 30.0% of residents have a disability. 85.8% have health insurance coverage.
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