Median Income
$79,653
6% higher than US avg
Home Value
$131,900
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
398/100K
5% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.4%
13% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,016
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Traer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,464
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density1,135/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$79,653
Per Capita$39,590
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$848M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$131,900
Rent$1,016
Ownership73.3%
Zillow$172,512
Housing Units708
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent398/100K
Property2,034/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking14.9%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation955 ft (291 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.4%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.25
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute20 min
Broadband83.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries9
Is Traer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Traer receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Traer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Traer is $79,653, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Traer is $131,900, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,034 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
29.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Traer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Traer has a population of 1,464 with a density of 1,135 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (97.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Traer is $79,653, which is 6% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,590. The average weekly wage is $938, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 440 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $79,653 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,590 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $938 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,559 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 440 |
| County GDP | $848M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 50 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,285 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Traer is $131,900, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,512, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,016 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 708 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $3,285. 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $131,900 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $172,512 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,016 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.7% |
| Housing Units | 708 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,285 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.49% |
In Traer, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,622. The dentist ratio is 1:5,634. 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Traer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,622 |
| Dentists | 1:5,634 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,104 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 72.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,872/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Traer has a violent crime rate of 398 per 100,000 residents, 5% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,034 per 100,000, 4% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Traer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Traer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 397.9/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,033.6/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Traer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches. The area receives 33.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 955 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.0°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 955 ft (291 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,135/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1896°N, 92.4640°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Tama County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.61"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
667 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 38 fatalities, 1,038 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
53 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
69 km |
5 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
84 km |
13 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
25 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
64 km |
6 |
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 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
40 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
42 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
35 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Traer has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Traer. 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 | $718 |
| Toddler | $619 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $472 |
| Toddler | $464 |
| Preschool | $464 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Traer
What is the population of Traer?
Traer has a population of 1,464 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,135 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Traer expensive to live in?
Traer 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 $79,653, 6% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $131,900 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Traer safe?
The violent crime rate in Traer is 398 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,034 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Traer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Traer?
Traer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches, with 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Traer?
The job market in Traer is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $938. There are 440 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Traer?
The median home value in Traer is $131,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $172,512. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,016. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,285.
How are the schools in Traer?
Schools in Traer score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.4% of adults in Traer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Traer?
The obesity rate in Traer is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 61.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,622.
What is transportation like in Traer?
The average commute in Traer is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Traer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Traer is 97.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
