Cost of Living in Emmetsburg, IA
Population 3,651 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Emmetsburg is a smaller Iowa community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $57,353 and housing costs ($115,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 105 miles east of Sioux Falls, Emmetsburg is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 58% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Emmetsburg
The median home value in Emmetsburg is $114,600 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $589/month, 55% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,353/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 54.7°F and lows of 34.6°F. Overall, Emmetsburg has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.
Emmetsburg has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 23 | 28 | 41 | 56 | 69 | 79 | 81 | 79 | 73 | 59 | 42 | 28 |
| Low °F | 7 | 11 | 23 | 34 | 46 | 57 | 60 | 57 | 49 | 36 | 23 | 12 |
| Precip" | 0.56 | 0.46 | 1.45 | 3.13 | 4.50 | 4.57 | 3.76 | 3.31 | 3.14 | 2.47 | 1.37 | 0.54 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Emmetsburg, IA?
Emmetsburg has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.
What is average rent in Emmetsburg, IA?
The median gross rent in Emmetsburg is $589 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Emmetsburg?
The median home value in Emmetsburg is $114,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Emmetsburg?
The median household income in Emmetsburg is $57,353 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Emmetsburg, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Emmetsburg is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Emmetsburg, IA affordable?
Yes, Emmetsburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Emmetsburg?
Emmetsburg has average high temperatures of 54.7°F and average lows of 34.6°F. Annual precipitation is 29.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Emmetsburg at a Glance
- Population
- 3,651
- Median Income
- $57,353
- Home Value
- $114,600
- Median Rent
- $589/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 54.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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