Median Income
$39,821
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.5%
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.9%
231% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Thornburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population43
Median Age60.5 yrs
Density215/mi²
Male / Female54% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans41.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$39,821
Per Capita$25,014
Unemployment11.9%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$443M
Commute36 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$103,980
Housing Units31
Rent Burden27.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property668/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Smoking20.0%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation878 ft (268 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.5%
High School+97.5%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute36 min
Broadband21.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Thornburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thornburg receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, long commute times. Thornburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thornburg is $39,821, 47% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.9%, unemployment is notably high. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Thornburg is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 668 per 100,000, 66% below the national average.
Education
27.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Thornburg 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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Thornburg has a population of 43 with a density of 215 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 60.5 years, 56% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.5% female and 53.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 41.0% 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). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.5yrs
Median Age
56% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Thornburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Thornburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Thornburg is $39,821, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,014 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 316 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 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Thornburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,821 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,014 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,794 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.9% |
| 231% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 316 |
| County GDP | $443M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,980. 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 31 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,438 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.6% 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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 31 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
In Thornburg, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 33.8% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 28.6% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914. The dentist ratio is 1:2,476. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thornburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.6% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:9,914 |
| Dentists | 1:2,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:9,914 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,349/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Thornburg has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 668 per 100,000, 66% below the U.S. average. Overall, Thornburg receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Thornburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 667.5/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Thornburg 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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 878 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 878 ft (268 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 215/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4558°N, 92.3323°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Keokuk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| 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)
Tornado History
571 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 365 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
91 km |
6 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 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 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
46 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
45 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
45 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Thornburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Thornburg. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $597 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Thornburg
What is the population of Thornburg?
Thornburg has a population of 43 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 215 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.5% female and 53.5% male.
Is Thornburg expensive to live in?
Thornburg 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 $39,821, 47% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Thornburg safe?
Thornburg is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 668 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Thornburg receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Thornburg?
Thornburg 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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Thornburg?
The job market in Thornburg faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 316 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Thornburg?
Schools in Thornburg score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.5% of adults in Thornburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.5% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thornburg?
The obesity rate in Thornburg is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 28.6% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914.
What is transportation like in Thornburg?
The average commute in Thornburg is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 80% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thornburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thornburg is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 41.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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