Median Income
$44,861
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
296/100K
22% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.1%
79% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How Swan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population58
Median Age55.5 yrs
Density94/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans46.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$44,861
Per Capita$29,702
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$2,878M
Commute33 min
Housing
Ownership89.7%
Zillow$303,146
Housing Units22
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent296/100K
Property1,719/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking16.9%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation753 ft (230 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.25
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute33 min
Broadband29.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Swan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Swan receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Swan has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Swan is $44,861, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Swan is below the national average at 296 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,719 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
7.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Swan experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Swan has a population of 58 with a density of 94 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 55.5 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.7% female and 60.3% male. The city is predominantly White (84.5%), with 1.7% Hispanic, 10.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.1% of residents, while 16.9% speak Spanish. 46.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 84.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.5yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.1%
6% above US avg
Spanish
16.9%
26% above US avg
The median household income in Swan is $44,861, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,702 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,222, 15% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,062 business establishments, including 80 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). 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,861 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,702 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,222 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,851 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,062 |
| County GDP | $2,878M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 80 |
| Healthcare | 105 |
| Retail | 126 |
| Manufacturing | 44 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,610 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $303,146. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 22 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $5,610 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 89.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.3% |
| Housing Units | 22 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,610 |
| 60% above US avg |
In Swan, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.0% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,043. The dentist ratio is 1:1,682. 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Swan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 30.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,043 |
| Dentists | 1:1,682 |
| Mental Health | 1:637 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,618/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 105 |
Swan has a violent crime rate of 296 per 100,000 residents, 22% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,719 per 100,000, 12% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Swan receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Swan vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 296.4/100K |
| 22% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,719.0/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Swan experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 753 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 753 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 94/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4676°N, 93.3095°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marion County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 13.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
660 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 386 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
69 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
79 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
39 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1991 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
57 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (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 |
13 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Swan has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Swan. 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 | $702 |
| Toddler | $605 |
| Preschool | $605 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $474 |
| Toddler | $466 |
| Preschool | $466 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Swan
What is the population of Swan?
Swan has a population of 58 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 94 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.7% female and 60.3% male.
Is Swan expensive to live in?
Swan 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 $44,861, 40% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Swan safe?
Swan is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 296 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,719 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Swan receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Swan?
Swan has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Swan?
The job market in Swan is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,222. There are 1,062 business establishments in the area, including 80 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Swan?
Schools in Swan score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.1% of adults in Swan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Swan?
The obesity rate in Swan is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,043.
What is transportation like in Swan?
The average commute in Swan is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Swan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Swan is 84.5% White, 10.3% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 83.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.9% speak Spanish. 46.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 84.7% have health insurance coverage.
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