Median Income
$69,268
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$181,500
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
217/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.2%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$943
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
40% lower than US avg
How Winterset Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,384
Median Age37.0 yrs
Density1,143/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,268
Per Capita$31,600
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty7.5%
County GDP$684M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$181,500
Rent$943
Ownership66.4%
Zillow$283,261
Housing Units2,354
Rent Burden26.4%
Crime
F
Violent217/100K
Property1,598/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault138/100K
Burglary454/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured6.5%
Smoking14.5%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain34.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,105 ft (337 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.2%
High School+96.7%
Graduate+7.8%
School Score6.27
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute19 min
Broadband83.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Winterset a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Winterset receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Winterset offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Winterset is $69,268, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Winterset is $181,500, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $943 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Winterset is below the national average at 217 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,598 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Winterset experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.8 inches, including 30.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Winterset has a population of 5,384 with a density of 1,143 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age is 37.0 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.6% female and 47.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%), with 2.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.0yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Winterset vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Winterset vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Winterset is $69,268, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,600 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 566 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Winterset vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,268 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,600 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,906 |
| Gini Index | 0.370 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 566 |
| County GDP | $684M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 33 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,857 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.3% |
The median home value in Winterset is $181,500, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,261, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $943 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,354 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $5,857 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $181,500 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $283,261 |
| Median List Price | $307,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $307,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $160 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.8% |
| Price Drops | 8.3% |
| Inventory | 24 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $943 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.6% |
| Housing Units | 2,354 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,857 |
| 67% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.23% |
In Winterset, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 23.4% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,864. The dentist ratio is 1:2,839. 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Winterset vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.5% |
| 24% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,864 |
| Dentists | 1:2,839 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,414 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 68.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,015/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 33 |
Winterset has a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 138.1 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 78.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,598 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,085, burglary at 454, vehicle theft at 59 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Winterset receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Winterset vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 217.1/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 78.9/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 138.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,598.3/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| Burglary | 453.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,085.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 59.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Winterset experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 73°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 34.8 inches. The area receives 30.7 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 1,105 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.1°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,105 ft (337 m) |
| Area | 4.7 sq mi (12.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,143/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3499°N, 94.0181°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Madison County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.8"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.72"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively 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 High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 11, 1995.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
122 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
689 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 25 fatalities, 379 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
58 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
91 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
20 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
54 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (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 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Winterset has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Winterset. 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 | $730 |
| Toddler | $629 |
| Preschool | $629 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $492 |
| Toddler | $484 |
| Preschool | $484 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Winterset
What is the population of Winterset?
Winterset has a population of 5,384 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,143 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.0 years. The population is 52.6% female and 47.4% male.
Is Winterset expensive to live in?
Winterset 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 $69,268, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $181,500 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $943 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Winterset safe?
Winterset is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 217 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,598 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Winterset receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Winterset?
Winterset has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.8 inches, with 30.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Winterset?
The job market in Winterset is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 566 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 11.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Winterset?
The median home value in Winterset is $181,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $283,261. For renters, the median monthly rent is $943. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,857.
How are the schools in Winterset?
Schools in Winterset score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.2% of adults in Winterset hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.7% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Winterset?
The obesity rate in Winterset is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 6.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 45.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,864.
What is transportation like in Winterset?
The average commute in Winterset is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Winterset?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Winterset is 95.9% White, 2.8% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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