Median Income
$105,172
40% higher than US avg
Home Value
$393,200
39% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
294/100K
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
89.2%
165% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,417
22% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.1%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
63% lower than US avg
How University Heights Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,232
Median Age27.6 yrs
Density4,738/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$105,172
Per Capita$77,415
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty4.6%
County GDP$12,640M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$393,200
Rent$1,417
Ownership55.4%
Zillow$292,103
Housing Units590
Rent Burden37.6%
Crime
F
Violent294/100K
Property2,421/100K
Health
Obesity33.1%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking11.8%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation780 ft (238 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+89.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+56.3%
School Score6.24
Community
2024 VoteR 30% / D 68%
Commute18 min
Broadband94.6%
EV Stations46
Libraries8
Is University Heights a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, University Heights receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. University Heights offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in University Heights is $105,172, which is significantly higher than the national average / 40% above $75,149. This places University Heights among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. Only 4.6% 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 University Heights is $393,200, 39% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,417 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in University Heights is below the national average at 294 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,421 per 100,000, 24% above the national average.
Education
University Heights is a highly educated community / 89.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
University Heights experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
University Heights has a population of 1,232 with a density of 4,738 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 27.6 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (86.8%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 3.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.6yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
University Heights vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
Social Characteristics
University Heights vs U.S. Average
The median household income in University Heights is $105,172, which is 40% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $77,415 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,238, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,140 business establishments, including 448 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). 17.7% of workers work from home.
Income: University Heights vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $105,172 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $77,415 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,238 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,456 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.6% |
| 63% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,140 |
| County GDP | $12,640M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 448 |
| Healthcare | 493 |
| Retail | 492 |
| Manufacturing | 80 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.78% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 36.7% |
| Public Transit | 2.9% |
| Work from Home | 17.7% |
The median home value in University Heights is $393,200, 39% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $292,103, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,417 (22% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 590 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $6,982 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $393,200 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $292,103 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,417 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.6% |
| Housing Units | 590 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,982 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.78% |
In University Heights, 33.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 11.8% are current smokers. 22.1% report binge drinking. 18.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.3% report depression. 15.4% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:521. The dentist ratio is 1:424. 89.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: University Heights vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.1% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.8% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.4% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.4% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 28.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:521 |
| Dentists | 1:424 |
| Mental Health | 1:209 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Dental Visits | 71.5% |
| Premature Death | 4,821/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 493 |
University Heights has a violent crime rate of 294 per 100,000 residents, 23% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,421 per 100,000, 24% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, University Heights receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: University Heights vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 293.7/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,421.3/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
University Heights experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°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 35.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 780 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.0°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 780 ft (238 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,738/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.6550°N, 91.5589°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Johnson County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.7"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
645 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 250 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
57 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
71 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
63 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
59 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
49 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
72 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
|
University Heights has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in University Heights. 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 | $765 |
| Toddler | $659 |
| Preschool | $659 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $508 |
| Preschool | $508 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About University Heights
What is the population of University Heights?
University Heights has a population of 1,232 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 4,738 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is University Heights expensive to live in?
University Heights 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 $105,172, 40% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $393,200 (39% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,417 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is University Heights safe?
University Heights is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 294 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,421 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, University Heights receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in University Heights?
University Heights has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in University Heights?
The job market in University Heights is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,238. There are 5,140 business establishments in the area, including 448 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 17.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in University Heights?
The median home value in University Heights is $393,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $292,103. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,417. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,982.
How are the schools in University Heights?
Schools in University Heights score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 89.2% of adults in University Heights hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 56.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is University Heights?
The obesity rate in University Heights is 33.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.8% of adults are smokers. 18.4% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:521.
What is transportation like in University Heights?
The average commute in University Heights is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 36.7% of workers drive alone to work, 2.9% use public transit, and 17.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of University Heights?
The racial and ethnic makeup of University Heights is 86.8% White, 1.2% Black or African American. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 3.6% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
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