Median Income
$65,815
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,700
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
26/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$731
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.7%
62% lower than US avg
How University Park Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population704
Median Age25.9 yrs
Density903/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,815
Per Capita$24,723
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty4.7%
County GDP$1,192M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,700
Rent$731
Ownership57.7%
Zillow$145,409
Housing Units241
Rent Burden27.4%
Crime
F
Violent26/100K
Property1,000/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking16.4%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation775 ft (236 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute16 min
Broadband92.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is University Park a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, University Park 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. University Park offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in University Park is $65,815, 12% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in University Park is $92,700, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
University Park is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 26 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,000 per 100,000, 49% below the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
University Park experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
University Park has a population of 704 with a density of 903 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 25.9 years, 33% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.6% female and 57.4% male. The city is predominantly White (85.7%), with 5.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
25.9yrs
Median Age
33% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
University Park vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
University Park vs U.S. Average
The median household income in University Park is $65,815, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,723 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,067, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 625 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: University Park vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,815 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,723 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,067 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,144 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.7% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 625 |
| County GDP | $1,192M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,289 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.9% |
The median home value in University Park is $92,700, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,409, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $731 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 241 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,289 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,700 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $145,409 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $731 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.3% |
| Housing Units | 241 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,289 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.63% |
In University Park, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 21.8% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,374. The dentist ratio is 1:1,995. 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: University Park vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,374 |
| Dentists | 1:1,995 |
| Mental Health | 1:706 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 69.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,887/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
University Park has a violent crime rate of 26 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,000 per 100,000, 49% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, University Park receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: University Park vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 26.3/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,000.0/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
University Park experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°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 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 775 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 775 ft (236 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 903/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2855°N, 92.6150°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mahaska County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively 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
564 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 392 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
97 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
75 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
89 km |
6 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 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 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
71 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
University Park has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in University Park. 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 | $680 |
| Toddler | $586 |
| Preschool | $586 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About University Park
What is the population of University Park?
University Park has a population of 704 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 903 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.6% female and 57.4% male.
Is University Park expensive to live in?
University Park 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 $65,815, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,700 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $731 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is University Park safe?
University Park is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 26 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,000 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, University Park receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in University Park?
University Park has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in University Park?
University Park has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,067. There are 625 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 9.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in University Park?
The median home value in University Park is $92,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $145,409. For renters, the median monthly rent is $731. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,289.
How are the schools in University Park?
Schools in University Park score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in University Park hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is University Park?
The obesity rate in University Park is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,374.
What is transportation like in University Park?
The average commute in University Park is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of University Park?
The racial and ethnic makeup of University Park is 85.7% White, 5.5% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
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