Median Income
$77,054
3% higher than US avg
Home Value
$88,700
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$508
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Whittemore Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population576
Median Age38.9 yrs
Density1,405/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans12.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$77,054
Per Capita$37,326
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$796M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,700
Rent$508
Ownership82.4%
Zillow$169,868
Housing Units289
Rent Burden10.3%
Health
Obesity38.0%
Uninsured3.8%
Smoking14.8%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain34.1 in/yr
Elevation1,203 ft (367 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute16 min
Broadband95.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Whittemore a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whittemore receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Whittemore stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Whittemore is $77,054, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 7.1% 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 Whittemore is $88,700, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $508 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Whittemore experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches, including 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Whittemore has a population of 576 with a density of 1,405 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 38.9 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly White (87.5%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.7% of residents. 12.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
576
Total Population
2023 Census
38.9yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Whittemore vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.7%
18% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Whittemore vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Whittemore is $77,054, which is 3% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,326. The average weekly wage is $912, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 336 business establishments, including 25 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). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Whittemore vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $77,054 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,326 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $912 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,314 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 336 |
| County GDP | $796M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,525 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.97% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Whittemore is $88,700, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,868, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $508 (56% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 289 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $3,525. 10.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,700 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $169,868 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $508 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 10.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.6% |
| Housing Units | 289 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,525 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.97% |
In Whittemore, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 24.0% report binge drinking. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 3.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,227. The dentist ratio is 1:4,382. 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Whittemore vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.0% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.4% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| Uninsured | 3.8% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,227 |
| Dentists | 1:4,382 |
| Mental Health | 1:801 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,822/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 71.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Whittemore 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. Annual precipitation totals 34.1 inches. The area receives 37.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. 74% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,203 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.9°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,203 ft (367 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,405/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0633°N, 94.4252°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Palo Alto County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.1"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 73.8% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0475 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 15.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
130 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
571 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 21 fatalities, 419 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
70 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
50 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
98 km |
5 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
25 km |
2 |
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 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Whittemore has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Whittemore. 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 | $644 |
| Toddler | $555 |
| Preschool | $555 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $435 |
| Toddler | $428 |
| Preschool | $428 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Whittemore
What is the population of Whittemore?
Whittemore has a population of 576 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,405 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.9 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is Whittemore expensive to live in?
Whittemore 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 $77,054, 3% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $88,700 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $508 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Whittemore?
Whittemore 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. Annual rainfall totals 34.1 inches, with 37.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Whittemore?
The job market in Whittemore is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $912. There are 336 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Whittemore?
The median home value in Whittemore is $88,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,868. For renters, the median monthly rent is $508. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,525.
How are the schools in Whittemore?
Schools in Whittemore score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.2% of adults in Whittemore hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whittemore?
The obesity rate in Whittemore is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 22.4% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 3.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 71.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,227.
What is transportation like in Whittemore?
The average commute in Whittemore is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Whittemore?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whittemore is 87.5% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 92.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 12.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.