Median Income
$90,556
21% higher than US avg
Home Value
$227,400
19% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
546/100K
44% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.6%
3% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$819
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
73% lower than US avg
How Underwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population977
Median Age29.5 yrs
Density896/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,556
Per Capita$38,706
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty3.3%
County GDP$6,263M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$227,400
Rent$819
Ownership80.7%
Zillow$372,918
Housing Units334
Rent Burden14.1%
Crime
F
Violent546/100K
Property6,640/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking13.1%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain31.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,058 ft (322 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.6%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+15.2%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute25 min
Broadband90.5%
EV Stations9
Libraries5
Is Underwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Underwood receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Underwood offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Underwood is $90,556, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Underwood is $227,400, 19% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 546 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,640 per 100,000, 239% above the national average.
Education
32.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Underwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 31.9 inches, including 27.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Underwood has a population of 977 with a density of 896 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 29.5 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 3.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.5yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Underwood vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Underwood vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Underwood is $90,556, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,706. The average weekly wage is $1,085, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,746 business establishments, including 209 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 9.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Underwood vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,556 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,706 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,085 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,871 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.3% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,746 |
| County GDP | $6,263M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 209 |
| Healthcare | 220 |
| Retail | 252 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
The median home value in Underwood is $227,400, 19% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $372,918, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $819 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 334 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $5,355 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 14.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $227,400 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $372,918 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $819 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.3% |
| Housing Units | 334 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.35% |
In Underwood, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 13.1% are current smokers. 24.7% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.1% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,694. 82.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Underwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.6% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 32.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,694 |
| Mental Health | 1:414 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 70.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,293/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 220 |
Underwood has a violent crime rate of 546 per 100,000 residents, 44% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,640 per 100,000, 239% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Underwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Underwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 546.4/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,640.4/100K |
| 239% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 80 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Underwood experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 78°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 31.9 inches. The area receives 27.1 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 1,058 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 52.4°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,058 ft (322 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 896/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3802°N, 95.6825°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pottawattamie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.9"
16% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Dec 17, 2009.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
109 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
84 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
606 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 560 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
83 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
40 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
9 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
35 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
15 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Underwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 24°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Underwood. 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 | $729 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $628 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $492 |
| Toddler | $484 |
| Preschool | $484 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Underwood
What is the population of Underwood?
Underwood has a population of 977 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 896 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Underwood expensive to live in?
Underwood 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 $90,556, 21% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $227,400 (19% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Underwood safe?
The violent crime rate in Underwood is 546 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 6,640 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Underwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Underwood?
Underwood has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 31.9 inches, with 27.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Underwood?
The job market in Underwood is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,085. There are 2,746 business establishments in the area, including 209 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 9.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Underwood?
The median home value in Underwood is $227,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $372,918. For renters, the median monthly rent is $819. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,355.
How are the schools in Underwood?
Schools in Underwood score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.6% of adults in Underwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 15.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Underwood?
The obesity rate in Underwood is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.1% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Underwood?
The average commute in Underwood is 25 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Underwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Underwood is 94.7% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 5.7% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
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