Median Income
$66,979
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$99,000
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
209/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.9%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Thornton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population534
Median Age34.3 yrs
Density431/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans3.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,979
Per Capita$33,158
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$790M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$99,000
Rent$775
Ownership86.4%
Zillow$153,096
Housing Units230
Rent Burden21.9%
Crime
F
Violent209/100K
Property3,323/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking17.6%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.1 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,191 ft (363 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.9%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score5.39
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 29%
Commute24 min
Broadband94.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Thornton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thornton receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Thornton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thornton is $66,979, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thornton is $99,000, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Thornton 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
19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Thornton 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.
Thornton has a population of 534 with a density of 431 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 34.3 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 3.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.3yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
The median household income in Thornton is $66,979, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,158 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,024, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.5% 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 24 minutes. 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,979 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,158 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,024 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,117 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% 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 | 3.47% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Thornton is $99,000, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,096, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 230 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $3,431. 21.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $99,000 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $153,096 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.6% |
| Housing Units | 230 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,431 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.47% |
In Thornton, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 23.4% report binge drinking. 25.2% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% 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: Thornton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.2% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,952 |
| Dentists | 1:2,479 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,292 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.0% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,806/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Thornton 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, Thornton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Thornton 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 | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Thornton 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 1,191 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 | 1,191 ft (363 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 431/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.9442°N, 93.3870°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Franklin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
40 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 |
147 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
644 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 55 fatalities, 1,061 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
60 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
29 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
27 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
96 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
70 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
84 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 (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Thornton has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Thornton. 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 Thornton
What is the population of Thornton?
Thornton has a population of 534 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 431 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Thornton expensive to live in?
Thornton 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 $66,979, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $99,000 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Thornton safe?
Thornton 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, Thornton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Thornton?
Thornton 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 Thornton?
The job market in Thornton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / 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 24 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Thornton?
The median home value in Thornton is $99,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $153,096. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,431.
How are the schools in Thornton?
Schools in Thornton score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.9% of adults in Thornton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thornton?
The obesity rate in Thornton is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 25.2% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 76.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,952.
What is transportation like in Thornton?
The average commute in Thornton is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thornton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thornton is 94.2% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 3.6% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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