Median Income
$77,708
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$169,000
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
77/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.6%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$917
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.5%
17% higher than US avg
How Van Horne Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population653
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density702/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$77,708
Per Capita$35,088
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty14.5%
County GDP$1,137M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$169,000
Rent$917
Ownership79.9%
Zillow$284,072
Housing Units285
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent77/100K
Property1,162/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking15.4%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation949 ft (289 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.6%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute29 min
Broadband92.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries10
Is Van Horne a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Van Horne receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Van Horne offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Van Horne is $77,708, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 14.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Van Horne is $169,000, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Van Horne is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the national average.
Education
22.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Van Horne 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.
Van Horne has a population of 653 with a density of 702 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Van Horne vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Van Horne vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Van Horne is $77,708, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,088. The average weekly wage is $1,043, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 720 business establishments, including 35 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Van Horne vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,708 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,088 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,043 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,010 |
| Gini Index | 0.389 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 720 |
| County GDP | $1,137M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 35 |
| Healthcare | 53 |
| Retail | 85 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,120 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Van Horne is $169,000, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $284,072, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $917 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 285 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $4,120 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $169,000 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $284,072 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $917 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.1% |
| Housing Units | 285 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,120 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.44% |
In Van Horne, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 15.4% are current smokers. 22.9% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,138. The dentist ratio is 1:4,285. 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Van Horne vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,138 |
| Dentists | 1:4,285 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,984 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 69.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,615/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 53 |
Van Horne has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,162 per 100,000, 41% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Van Horne receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Van Horne vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 77.5/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,162.1/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 29 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Van Horne 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 949 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 | 949 ft (289 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 702/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.0083°N, 92.0897°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Benton County County |
| Nearest Airport | The Eastern Iowa (CID)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| 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 |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
642 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 29 fatalities, 629 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
89 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
75 km |
5 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
34 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
90 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
21 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
20 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
20 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
24 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Van Horne has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Van Horne. 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 | $706 |
| Toddler | $608 |
| Preschool | $608 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $464 |
| Toddler | $456 |
| Preschool | $456 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Horne
What is the population of Van Horne?
Van Horne has a population of 653 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 702 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Van Horne expensive to live in?
Van Horne 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 $77,708, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $169,000 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $917 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Van Horne safe?
Van Horne is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,162 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Van Horne receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Van Horne?
Van Horne 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 Van Horne?
The unemployment rate in Van Horne is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,043. There are 720 business establishments in the area, including 35 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Van Horne?
The median home value in Van Horne is $169,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $284,072. For renters, the median monthly rent is $917. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,120.
How are the schools in Van Horne?
Schools in Van Horne score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.6% of adults in Van Horne hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Van Horne?
The obesity rate in Van Horne is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.4% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 44.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,138.
What is transportation like in Van Horne?
The average commute in Van Horne is 29 minutes. 84.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Van Horne?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Van Horne is 96.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.9% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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