Ackley, IA
Population 1,554 · Iowa
About Ackley, IA
Ackley is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,554 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,667 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ackley features a median home value of $99,200, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ackley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $677, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 752 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (547 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (105 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ackley shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ackley have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.6% of Ackley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 10.9% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ackley, IA
Compared to national averages, Ackley has a median household income of $61,667 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $99,200, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $677 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Ackley's income is 9% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 25% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Ackley, IA?
Ackley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $99,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $677/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,667) that falls below the national average. However, Ackley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ackley has a population of 1,554 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Ackley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Ackley
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holstein | 1,552 | $61,625 | $113,200 | Compare |
| State Center | 1,548 | $72,303 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Brooklyn | 1,565 | $71,500 | $123,600 | Compare |
| Corydon | 1,566 | $48,988 | $88,800 | Compare |
| Wellman | 1,539 | $56,696 | $149,000 | Compare |
| Pocahontas | 1,536 | $56,298 | $96,600 | Compare |
| Corning | 1,573 | $60,446 | $84,700 | Compare |
| Dysart | 1,575 | $62,308 | $156,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ackley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ackley
What is the population of Ackley, IA?
The population of Ackley, IA is 1,554 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Ackley?
The median household income in Ackley, IA is $61,667 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ackley?
The median home value in Ackley, IA is $99,200, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ackley?
The median monthly rent in Ackley, IA is $677, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ackley?
The unemployment rate in Ackley, IA is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ackley, IA a good place to live?
Ackley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,554 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ackley, IA?
21.6% of residents in Ackley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ackley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ackley, IA: median home value is $99,200 (59% below national), median rent is $677/month, and median household income is $61,667. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ackley?
The poverty rate in Ackley, IA is 10.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ackley, IA?
Ackley's population is 10.9% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.