Median Income
$65,625
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,900
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$625
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
56% lower than US avg
How Wesley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population356
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density531/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$65,625
Per Capita$34,658
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty5.4%
County GDP$1,204M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,900
Rent$625
Ownership89.5%
Zillow$177,230
Housing Units155
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property636/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking16.0%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,253 ft (382 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 26%
Commute20 min
Broadband88.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Wesley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wesley receives an overall livability score of 3.0 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. Wesley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wesley is $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wesley is $88,900, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Wesley is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Wesley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 15°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 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Wesley has a population of 356 with a density of 531 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.3% female and 58.7% male. The city is predominantly White (96.3%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86.7% of residents, while 13.3% speak Spanish. 11.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.7%
10% above US avg
Spanish
13.3%
1% below US avg
The median household income in Wesley is $65,625, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,658 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,152, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 379 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,625 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,658 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,152 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,191 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.4% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 379 |
| County GDP | $1,204M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 21 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,211 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Wesley is $88,900, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,230, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $625 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 155 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $3,211. 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,900 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,230 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $625 |
| 46% 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 | 89.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.5% |
| Housing Units | 155 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,211 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.61% |
In Wesley, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,663. The dentist ratio is 1:1,526. 70.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wesley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:10,663 |
| Dentists | 1:1,526 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,123 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 68.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,876/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Wesley has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 636 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wesley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wesley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 254.4/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 635.9/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wesley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 15°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 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,253 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,253 ft (382 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 531/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0891°N, 93.9929°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hancock County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.3"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very 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 |
122 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
601 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 45 fatalities, 936 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
79 km |
13 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
43 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
61 km |
1 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
71 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
88 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
70 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
32°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Wesley has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Wesley. 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 | $609 |
| Preschool | $609 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $464 |
| Toddler | $456 |
| Preschool | $456 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wesley
What is the population of Wesley?
Wesley has a population of 356 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 531 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.3% female and 58.7% male.
Is Wesley expensive to live in?
Wesley 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 $65,625, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,900 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $625 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wesley safe?
Wesley is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wesley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wesley?
Wesley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 15°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 34.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Wesley?
Wesley has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,152. There are 379 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wesley?
The median home value in Wesley is $88,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,230. For renters, the median monthly rent is $625. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,211.
How are the schools in Wesley?
Schools in Wesley score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.4% of adults in Wesley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wesley?
The obesity rate in Wesley is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:10,663.
What is transportation like in Wesley?
The average commute in Wesley is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wesley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wesley is 96.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 86.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.3% speak Spanish. 11.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
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