Median Income
$66,458
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$82,100
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.9%
53% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$665
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Vail Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population431
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density756/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,458
Per Capita$24,668
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$1,117M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$82,100
Rent$665
Ownership92.2%
Zillow$193,571
Housing Units198
Rent Burden16.3%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property941/100K
Health
Obesity41.5%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking15.6%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,259 ft (384 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.9%
High School+76.8%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score5.26
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute27 min
Broadband86.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Vail a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vail receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Vail offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vail is $66,458, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vail is $82,100, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $665 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Vail is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 941 per 100,000, 52% below the national average.
Education
15.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Vail experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 19°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 33.6 inches, including 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Vail has a population of 431 with a density of 756 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61% female and 39% male. The city is predominantly White (69.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 62.3% of residents, while 37.7% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
62.3%
21% below US avg
Spanish
37.7%
181% above US avg
The median household income in Vail is $66,458, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,668 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,021, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 514 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,458 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,668 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,021 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,004 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 514 |
| County GDP | $1,117M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 40 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Vail is $82,100, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,571, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $665 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 198 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,829. 16.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $82,100 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,571 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $665 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.8% |
| Housing Units | 198 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,829 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.66% |
In Vail, 41.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 22.0% report binge drinking. 27.0% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,398. The dentist ratio is 1:1,791. 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vail vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.0% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,398 |
| Dentists | 1:1,791 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,779 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 67.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 40 |
Vail has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 941 per 100,000, 52% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Vail receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Vail vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 130.2/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 941.1/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Vail experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 19°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 33.6 inches. The area receives 34.5 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 1,259 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.5°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,259 ft (384 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 756/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0597°N, 95.2005°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.6"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 28.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
539 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 16 fatalities, 277 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
80 km |
1 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
80 km |
3 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
81 km |
4 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
95 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 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Vail has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Vail. 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 | $668 |
| Toddler | $576 |
| Preschool | $576 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $451 |
| Toddler | $444 |
| Preschool | $444 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vail
What is the population of Vail?
Vail has a population of 431 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 756 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61% female and 39% male.
Is Vail expensive to live in?
Vail 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 $66,458, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $82,100 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $665 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Vail safe?
Vail is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 941 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Vail receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Vail?
Vail has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°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 33.6 inches, with 34.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Vail?
The job market in Vail is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,021. There are 514 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vail?
The median home value in Vail is $82,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,571. For renters, the median monthly rent is $665. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,829.
How are the schools in Vail?
Schools in Vail score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.9% of adults in Vail hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.8% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vail?
The obesity rate in Vail is 41.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 27.0% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,398.
What is transportation like in Vail?
The average commute in Vail is 27 minutes. 81.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vail?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vail is 69.8% White. 62.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 37.7% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 18.2% of residents have a disability. 93.2% have health insurance coverage.
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