Median Income
$52,500
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$26,000
91% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
159/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.2%
88% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Thayer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population50
Median Age13.0 yrs
Density357/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 48%
Veterans24.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,500
Per Capita$13,806
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$965M
Commute76 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$26,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$228,408
Housing Units16
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent159/100K
Property1,746/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Smoking16.9%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,122 ft (342 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute76 min
Broadband12.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Thayer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thayer receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Thayer has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thayer is $52,500, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 76 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thayer is $26,000, 91% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Thayer is below the national average at 159 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
4.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Thayer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Thayer has a population of 50 with a density of 357 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 13.0 years, 67% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38% female and 62% male. The city is predominantly White (48%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 24.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
13.0yrs
Median Age
67% below 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 Thayer is $52,500, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,806 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 459 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 76 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,500 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,806 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,108 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 459 |
| County GDP | $965M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,256 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 16.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 75.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Thayer is $26,000, 91% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,408, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 16 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,256 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $26,000 |
| 91% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $228,408 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 16 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,256 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 16.37% |
In Thayer, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.6% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.5% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,002. The dentist ratio is 1:1,981. 83.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thayer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.6% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,002 |
| Dentists | 1:1,981 |
| Mental Health | 1:458 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,896/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Thayer has a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,746 per 100,000, 11% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Thayer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Thayer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 158.7/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,745.7/100K |
| 11% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Thayer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,122 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,122 ft (342 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 357/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0287°N, 94.0499°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Jul 16, 2004.
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
96 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
613 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 370 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
72 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
75 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
26 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (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 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Thayer has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Thayer. 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 | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $439 |
| Preschool | $439 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Thayer
What is the population of Thayer?
Thayer has a population of 50 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 357 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 13.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38% female and 62% male.
Is Thayer expensive to live in?
Thayer 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 $52,500, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $26,000 (91% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Thayer safe?
Thayer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,746 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Thayer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Thayer?
Thayer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Thayer?
Thayer has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 459 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 76 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Thayer?
The median home value in Thayer is $26,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,408. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,256.
How are the schools in Thayer?
Schools in Thayer score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.2% of adults in Thayer 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 Thayer?
The obesity rate in Thayer is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 83.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,002.
What is transportation like in Thayer?
The average commute in Thayer is 76 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thayer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thayer is 48% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 24.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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