Median Income
$49,375
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,600
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.0%
1% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$696
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.5%
48% lower than US avg
How Thompson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population448
Median Age60.3 yrs
Density521/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,375
Per Capita$40,163
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$690M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,600
Rent$696
Ownership76.7%
Zillow$98,777
Housing Units324
Rent Burden35.1%
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured5.6%
Smoking16.2%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Elevation1,278 ft (390 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.0%
High School+88.3%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute18 min
Broadband81.4%
EV Stations8
Libraries5
Is Thompson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thompson receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Thompson stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thompson is $49,375, 34% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thompson is $99,600, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $696 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 88.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Thompson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches, including 48.2 inches of snow.
Thompson has a population of 448 with a density of 521 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 60.3 years, 55% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.9% female and 62.1% male. The city is predominantly White (96.9%), with 6.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.7% of residents. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
448
Total Population
2023 Census
60.3yrs
Median Age
55% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.7%
22% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Thompson is $49,375, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,163. The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 393 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,375 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,163 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,658 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.5% |
| 48% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 393 |
| County GDP | $690M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 17 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,053 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Thompson is $99,600, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,777. Monthly rent averages $696 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 324 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $3,053. 35.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $99,600 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $98,777 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $696 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.3% |
| Housing Units | 324 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,053 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.07% |
In Thompson, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 22.5% report binge drinking. 24.4% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 5.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,552. The dentist ratio is 1:1,517. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thompson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.4% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 5.6% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,552 |
| Dentists | 1:1,517 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,285 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.8% |
| Premature Death | 5,991/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Thompson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. The area receives 48.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,278 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.9°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,278 ft (390 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 521/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3699°N, 93.7747°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winnebago County County |
| Nearest Airport | Owatonna Degner Regional (OWA)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.51"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.3 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very 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 |
93 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
590 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 42 fatalities, 900 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
85 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
64 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
25 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
52 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
36 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SNAKE TRAIL (1,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Thompson has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Thompson. 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 | $653 |
| Toddler | $562 |
| Preschool | $562 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $440 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Thompson
What is the population of Thompson?
Thompson has a population of 448 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 521 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.9% female and 62.1% male.
Is Thompson expensive to live in?
Thompson 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 $49,375, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,600 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $696 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Thompson?
Thompson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches, with 48.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Thompson?
Thompson has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 393 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 8.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Thompson?
The median home value in Thompson is $99,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,777. For renters, the median monthly rent is $696. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,053.
How are the schools in Thompson?
Schools in Thompson score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.0% of adults in Thompson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 88.3% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thompson?
The obesity rate in Thompson is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 24.4% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 5.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,552.
What is transportation like in Thompson?
The average commute in Thompson is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thompson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thompson is 96.9% White, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino. 95.7% of residents speak only English at home. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.