Median Income
$49,688
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$47,900
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
290/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.1%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$816
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.7%
19% higher than US avg
How What Cheer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population634
Median Age36.7 yrs
Density511/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,688
Per Capita$23,072
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty14.7%
County GDP$443M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$47,900
Rent$816
Ownership70.9%
Zillow$103,980
Housing Units335
Rent Burden18.4%
Crime
F
Violent290/100K
Property4,328/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking20.0%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation746 ft (227 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.1%
High School+93.3%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute27 min
Broadband80.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is What Cheer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, What Cheer receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. What Cheer has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in What Cheer is $49,688, 34% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in What Cheer is $47,900, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $816 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in What Cheer is below the national average at 290 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,328 per 100,000, 121% above the national average.
Education
8.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
What Cheer experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
What Cheer has a population of 634 with a density of 511 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 36.7 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (94.6%), with 2.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 25.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.7yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
What Cheer vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
Social Characteristics
What Cheer vs U.S. Average
The median household income in What Cheer is $49,688, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,072 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 316 business establishments, including 15 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 3.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: What Cheer vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,688 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,072 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,794 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 316 |
| County GDP | $443M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 15 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 12 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.6% |
The median home value in What Cheer is $47,900, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,980, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $816 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 335 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,438 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $47,900 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $103,980 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $816 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.1% |
| Housing Units | 335 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,438 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.09% |
In What Cheer, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 33.8% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.8% report binge drinking. 28.6% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914. The dentist ratio is 1:2,476. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: What Cheer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.6% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:9,914 |
| Dentists | 1:2,476 |
| Mental Health | 1:9,914 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 57.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,349/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
What Cheer has a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,328 per 100,000, 121% above the U.S. average. Overall, What Cheer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: What Cheer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 290.4/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,328.0/100K |
| 121% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
What Cheer experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 746 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.9°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 746 ft (227 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 511/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4003°N, 92.3571°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Keokuk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.4"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
551 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 347 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
93 km |
6 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 1975 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (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 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
52 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
|
What Cheer has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in What Cheer. 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 | $693 |
| Toddler | $597 |
| Preschool | $597 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $455 |
| Toddler | $448 |
| Preschool | $448 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About What Cheer
What is the population of What Cheer?
What Cheer has a population of 634 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 511 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is What Cheer expensive to live in?
What Cheer 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 $49,688, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $47,900 (83% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $816 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is What Cheer safe?
What Cheer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 290 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,328 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, What Cheer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in What Cheer?
What Cheer has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in What Cheer?
What Cheer has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 316 business establishments in the area, including 15 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 3.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in What Cheer?
The median home value in What Cheer is $47,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $103,980. For renters, the median monthly rent is $816. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,438.
How are the schools in What Cheer?
Schools in What Cheer score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.1% of adults in What Cheer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.3% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is What Cheer?
The obesity rate in What Cheer is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 28.6% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 36.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,914.
What is transportation like in What Cheer?
The average commute in What Cheer is 27 minutes. 70.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of What Cheer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of What Cheer is 94.6% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 25.8% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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