Median Income
$80,938
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$74,700
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
118/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.1%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$940
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How Yale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population337
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density1,162/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans13.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,938
Per Capita$30,912
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.8%
County GDP$753M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$74,700
Rent$940
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$191,550
Housing Units145
Rent Burden30.9%
Crime
F
Violent118/100K
Property1,346/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking14.3%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,124 ft (343 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.1%
High School+96.1%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score5.93
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute26 min
Broadband94.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries8
Is Yale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Yale 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. Yale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Yale is $80,938, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Yale is $74,700, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $940 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Yale is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
14.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Yale experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 20°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Yale has a population of 337 with a density of 1,162 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%), with 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above 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 Yale is $80,938, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,912 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,041, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 395 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,938 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,912 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,041 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,854 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 395 |
| County GDP | $753M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,696 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Yale is $74,700, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,550, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $940 (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. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 145 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,696 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $74,700 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $191,550 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $940 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 145 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,696 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.63% |
In Yale, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 23.3% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 21.0% report depression. 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,522. The dentist ratio is 1:2,662. 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Yale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,522 |
| Dentists | 1:2,662 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,574 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 71.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,483/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Yale has a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,346 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Yale receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Yale vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 118.0/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,345.6/100K |
| 31% 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 |
Yale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 20°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 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,124 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.4°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,124 ft (343 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,162/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7751°N, 94.3578°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Guthrie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 26.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very 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
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
717 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 337 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF5 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
46 km |
1 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
62 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
61 km |
2 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Yale has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Yale. 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 | $711 |
| Toddler | $612 |
| Preschool | $612 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $467 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $459 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Yale
What is the population of Yale?
Yale has a population of 337 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,162 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Yale expensive to live in?
Yale 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 $80,938, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $74,700 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $940 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Yale safe?
Yale is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 118 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,346 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Yale receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Yale?
Yale 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 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Yale?
The job market in Yale is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,041. There are 395 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Yale?
The median home value in Yale is $74,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,550. For renters, the median monthly rent is $940. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,696.
How are the schools in Yale?
Schools in Yale score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.1% of adults in Yale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.1% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Yale?
The obesity rate in Yale is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 47.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,522.
What is transportation like in Yale?
The average commute in Yale is 26 minutes. 83.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Yale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Yale is 98.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.5% of the population are military veterans. 6.3% of residents have a disability. 99.7% have health insurance coverage.
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