Median Income
$83,125
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$344,800
22% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
209/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.4%
14% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,016
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
53% lower than US avg
How Ventura Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population708
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density398/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,125
Per Capita$39,211
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty5.8%
County GDP$3,729M
Commute21 min
Housing
A
Home Value$344,800
Rent$1,016
Ownership84.0%
Zillow$288,086
Housing Units357
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
F
Violent209/100K
Property3,323/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking16.3%
Depression23.5%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain36.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,229 ft (375 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.4%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+11.1%
School Score5.43
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 43%
Commute21 min
Broadband93.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries7
Is Ventura a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ventura receives an overall livability score of 3.5 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. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Ventura offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ventura is $83,125, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 5.8% 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 Ventura is $344,800, 22% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ventura is below the national average at 209 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,323 per 100,000, 70% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Ventura experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches, including 44.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ventura has a population of 708 with a density of 398 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (97%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
The median household income in Ventura is $83,125, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,211. The average weekly wage is $1,057, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,681 business establishments, including 127 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). 10.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,125 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,211 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,057 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,990 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.8% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,681 |
| County GDP | $3,729M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 127 |
| Healthcare | 137 |
| Retail | 211 |
| Manufacturing | 53 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,115 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.6% |
The median home value in Ventura is $344,800, 22% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,086, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,016 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 357 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $6,115 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $344,800 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $288,086 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,016 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.0% |
| Housing Units | 357 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,115 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.77% |
In Ventura, 40.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 23.1% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 23.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:700. The dentist ratio is 1:1,034. 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ventura vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 23.5% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 31.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:700 |
| Dentists | 1:1,034 |
| Mental Health | 1:288 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,468/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 137 |
Ventura has a violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,323 per 100,000, 70% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ventura receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ventura vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 208.5/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,323.3/100K |
| 70% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ventura experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.3 inches. The area receives 44.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,229 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.6°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,229 ft (375 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 398/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1289°N, 93.4659°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cerro Gordo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.3"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
138 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
601 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 52 fatalities, 1,005 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
80 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
49 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
40 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
52 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
75 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
49 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
8 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Ventura has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Ventura. 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 | $690 |
| Toddler | $594 |
| Preschool | $594 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $466 |
| Toddler | $458 |
| Preschool | $458 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ventura
What is the population of Ventura?
Ventura has a population of 708 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 398 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Ventura expensive to live in?
Ventura 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 $83,125, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $344,800 (22% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,016 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ventura safe?
Ventura is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 209 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,323 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ventura receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ventura?
Ventura has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.3 inches, with 44.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ventura?
The job market in Ventura is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,057. There are 1,681 business establishments in the area, including 127 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 10.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ventura?
The median home value in Ventura is $344,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $288,086. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,016. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,115.
How are the schools in Ventura?
Schools in Ventura score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.4% of adults in Ventura hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 11.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ventura?
The obesity rate in Ventura is 40.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 23.5% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:700.
What is transportation like in Ventura?
The average commute in Ventura is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ventura?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ventura is 97% White. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 7.1% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
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