Median Income
$133,750
78% higher than US avg
Home Value
$250,300
11% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
78/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.4%
26% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$947
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.4%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
85% lower than US avg
How Van Meter Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,469
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density335/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$133,750
Per Capita$47,063
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty1.8%
County GDP$63,823M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$250,300
Rent$947
Ownership92.0%
Zillow$402,427
Housing Units477
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent78/100K
Property819/100K
Health
Obesity31.4%
Uninsured4.3%
Smoking10.0%
Depression20.1%
Heart Disease4.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation971 ft (296 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.4%
High School+98.7%
Graduate+10.1%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute21 min
Broadband94.6%
EV Stations12
Libraries19
Is Van Meter a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Van Meter receives an overall livability score of 3.8 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. Van Meter offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Van Meter is $133,750, which is significantly higher than the national average / 78% above $75,149. This places Van Meter among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Van Meter is $250,300, 11% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $947 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Van Meter is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 819 per 100,000, 58% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Van Meter experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 22°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 36.6 inches, including 36.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Van Meter has a population of 1,469 with a density of 335 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 6.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Van Meter vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Van Meter vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Van Meter is $133,750, which is 78% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,063 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,395. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 20,581 business establishments, including 1,227 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.0% of workers work from home.
Income: Van Meter vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $133,750 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,063 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,395 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,610 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.8% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 20,581 |
| County GDP | $63,823M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,227 |
| Healthcare | 1,513 |
| Retail | 1,606 |
| Manufacturing | 341 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.0% |
The median home value in Van Meter is $250,300, 11% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $402,427, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 102.2% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $947 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 477 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $6,943 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $250,300 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $402,427 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $257 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.2% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $947 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.0% |
| Housing Units | 477 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,943 |
| 98% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.77% |
In Van Meter, 31.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.1% of residents, below the national average. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 10.0% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 23.6% report binge drinking. 17.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.1% report depression. 14.7% experience frequent mental distress. 4.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073. The dentist ratio is 1:1,259. 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Van Meter vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 4.0% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.0% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.0% |
| Depression | 20.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.7% |
| Physical Distress | 9.3% |
| Short Sleep | 27.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 4.3% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,073 |
| Dentists | 1:1,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:285 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 74.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,653/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,513 |
Van Meter has a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 819 per 100,000, 58% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Van Meter receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Van Meter vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 78.0/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 818.9/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Van Meter experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 22°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 36.6 inches. The area receives 36.5 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 971 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.9°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 971 ft (296 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 335/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5246°N, 93.9442°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.6"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0449 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.2 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 11, 1995.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
700 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 20 fatalities, 343 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
64 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
39 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
35 km |
2 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (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 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Van Meter has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 22°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Van Meter. 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 | $768 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $662 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $516 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $507 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Meter
What is the population of Van Meter?
Van Meter has a population of 1,469 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 335 people per square mile, spread across 4.4 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 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Van Meter expensive to live in?
Van Meter 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 $133,750, 78% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $250,300 (11% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $947 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Van Meter safe?
Van Meter is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 819 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Van Meter receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Van Meter?
Van Meter has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 22°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 36.6 inches, with 36.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Van Meter?
The job market in Van Meter is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,395. There are 20,581 business establishments in the area, including 1,227 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 17.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Van Meter?
The median home value in Van Meter is $250,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $402,427. For renters, the median monthly rent is $947. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,943.
How are the schools in Van Meter?
Schools in Van Meter score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 42.4% of adults in Van Meter hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.7% have completed high school. 10.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Van Meter?
The obesity rate in Van Meter is 31.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.0% of adults are smokers. 17.0% are physically inactive. 20.1% of residents report depression. 4.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,073.
What is transportation like in Van Meter?
The average commute in Van Meter is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Van Meter?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Van Meter is 96.4% White, 1% Black or African American. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 6.0% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
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