Median Income
$75,278
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$133,900
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
335/100K
12% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.8%
20% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$930
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Washburn Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population658
Median Age37.4 yrs
Density531/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A+
Median Income$75,278
Per Capita$37,546
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$10,039M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$133,900
Rent$930
Ownership88.9%
Zillow$212,518
Housing Units269
Rent Burden28.1%
Crime
F
Violent335/100K
Property2,639/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured6.6%
Smoking16.4%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.9 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation832 ft (254 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.8%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute16 min
Broadband97.0%
EV Stations7
Libraries6
Is Washburn a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Washburn receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Washburn offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Washburn is $75,278, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Only 3.9% 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 Washburn is $133,900, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Washburn is below the national average at 335 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,639 per 100,000, 35% above the national average.
Education
26.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Washburn 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.
Washburn has a population of 658 with a density of 531 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 37.4 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.1% female and 45.9% male. The city is predominantly White (88%), with 1.8% Hispanic, 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.4yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Washburn is $75,278, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,546. The average weekly wage is $1,147, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,947 business establishments, including 323 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). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,278 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,546 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,147 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,437 |
| Gini Index | 0.464 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,947 |
| County GDP | $10,039M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 323 |
| Healthcare | 388 |
| Retail | 470 |
| Manufacturing | 137 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,315 |
| 52% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Washburn is $133,900, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,518, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $930 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 269 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $5,315 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $133,900 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $212,518 |
| Median List Price | $180,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $180,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $168 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $930 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.1% |
| Housing Units | 269 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,315 |
| 52% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.97% |
In Washburn, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 24.3% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,051. The dentist ratio is 1:1,265. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Washburn vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,051 |
| Dentists | 1:1,265 |
| Mental Health | 1:387 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 67.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,993/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 388 |
Washburn has a violent crime rate of 335 per 100,000 residents, 12% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,639 per 100,000, 35% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Washburn receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Washburn vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 335.1/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,638.7/100K |
| 35% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Washburn 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 832 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 | 832 ft (254 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 531/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4103°N, 92.2669°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Black Hawk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.9"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
617 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 40 fatalities, 1,004 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
53 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
40 km |
5 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
81 km |
13 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
13 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
19 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
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 |
61 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
62 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
58 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Washburn has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 17°F in January to 71°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 34.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Washburn. 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 | $728 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $628 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $489 |
| Toddler | $481 |
| Preschool | $481 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Washburn
What is the population of Washburn?
Washburn has a population of 658 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 531 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.4 years. The population is 54.1% female and 45.9% male.
Is Washburn expensive to live in?
Washburn 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 $75,278, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $133,900 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $930 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Washburn safe?
Washburn is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 335 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,639 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Washburn receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Washburn?
Washburn 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 Washburn?
The job market in Washburn is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,147. There are 3,947 business establishments in the area, including 323 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Washburn?
The median home value in Washburn is $133,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $212,518. For renters, the median monthly rent is $930. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 88.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,315.
How are the schools in Washburn?
Schools in Washburn score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.8% of adults in Washburn hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Washburn?
The obesity rate in Washburn is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 6.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,051.
What is transportation like in Washburn?
The average commute in Washburn is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Washburn?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Washburn is 88% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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