Albia, IA
Population 3,688 · Iowa
About Albia, IA
Albia is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 3,688 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,791 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Albia features a median home value of $132,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Albia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $803, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,895 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (1,211 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (354 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Albia shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Albia have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.4% of Albia 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 0.9% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Albia, IA
Compared to national averages, Albia has a median household income of $67,791 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,500, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $803 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Albia's income is 0% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 0% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Albia, IA?
Albia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $803/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,791) that falls below the national average. However, Albia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Albia has a population of 3,688 with a median age of 42.7 years. Compare Albia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Albia
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmetsburg | 3,651 | $57,353 | $114,600 | Compare |
| Carter Lake | 3,773 | $75,037 | $161,200 | Compare |
| Eagle Grove | 3,588 | $58,458 | $95,100 | Compare |
| West Liberty | 3,795 | $66,132 | $169,500 | Compare |
| Waukon | 3,796 | $56,250 | $133,700 | Compare |
| Osage | 3,578 | $62,309 | $141,800 | Compare |
| Saylorville | 3,559 | $80,250 | $287,700 | Compare |
| Cresco | 3,901 | $60,769 | $105,200 | 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 Albia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Albia
What is the population of Albia, IA?
The population of Albia, IA is 3,688 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 Albia?
The median household income in Albia, IA is $67,791 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Albia?
The median home value in Albia, IA is $132,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Albia?
The median monthly rent in Albia, IA is $803, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Albia?
The unemployment rate in Albia, IA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Albia, IA a good place to live?
Albia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,688 and a median age of 42.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Albia, IA?
23.4% of residents in Albia 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 Albia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Albia, IA: median home value is $132,500 (46% below national), median rent is $803/month, and median household income is $67,791. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Albia?
The poverty rate in Albia, IA is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Albia, IA?
Albia's population is 0.9% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.