Afton, IA
Population 991 · Iowa
About Afton, IA
Afton is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 991 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,232 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Afton features a median home value of $99,700, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Afton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $564, 52% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 396 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (259 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (112 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Afton shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Afton have an average one-way commute time of 18.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.7% of Afton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 8.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.4% Asian residents, with 9.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Afton, IA
Compared to national averages, Afton has a median household income of $57,232 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $99,700, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $564 is 52% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Afton's income is 16% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 25% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Afton, IA?
Afton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $99,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $564/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,232) that falls below the national average. However, Afton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Afton has a population of 991 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Afton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Afton
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mapleton | 997 | $52,955 | $116,400 | Compare |
| Gladbrook | 998 | $63,125 | $117,200 | Compare |
| Buffalo Center | 1,000 | $49,474 | $93,800 | Compare |
| Calmar | 980 | $81,583 | $194,600 | Compare |
| Woodward | 1,002 | $68,571 | $179,500 | Compare |
| Villisca | 1,004 | $58,469 | $74,100 | Compare |
| Underwood | 977 | $90,556 | $227,400 | Compare |
| Aplington | 1,012 | $70,093 | $131,800 | 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 Afton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Afton
What is the population of Afton, IA?
The population of Afton, IA is 991 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Afton?
The median household income in Afton, IA is $57,232 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Afton?
The median home value in Afton, IA is $99,700, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Afton?
The median monthly rent in Afton, IA is $564, which is 52% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Afton?
The unemployment rate in Afton, IA is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Afton, IA a good place to live?
Afton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 991 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Afton, IA?
23.7% of residents in Afton 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 Afton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Afton, IA: median home value is $99,700 (59% below national), median rent is $564/month, and median household income is $57,232. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Afton?
The poverty rate in Afton, IA is 13.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Afton, IA?
Afton's population is 8.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.4% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 9.4% of residents are foreign-born.