Alden, IA
Population 792 · Iowa
About Alden, IA
Alden is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 792 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,625 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 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 Alden features a median home value of $102,500, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Alden one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $562, 52% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 388 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (233 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (131 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alden shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Alden have an average one-way commute time of 15.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.9% of Alden 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 8.2% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Alden, IA
Compared to national averages, Alden has a median household income of $55,625 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $102,500, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $562 is 52% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Alden's income is 18% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 22% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Alden, IA?
Alden offers affordable housing with a median home value of $102,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $562/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,625) that falls below the national average. However, Alden’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alden has a population of 792 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Alden with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Alden
What is the population of Alden, IA?
The population of Alden, IA is 792 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 Alden?
The median household income in Alden, IA is $55,625 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alden?
The median home value in Alden, IA is $102,500, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alden?
The median monthly rent in Alden, IA is $562, which is 52% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alden?
The unemployment rate in Alden, IA is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Alden, IA a good place to live?
Alden offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 792 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Alden, IA?
9.9% of residents in Alden 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 Alden?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alden, IA: median home value is $102,500 (58% below national), median rent is $562/month, and median household income is $55,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alden?
The poverty rate in Alden, IA is 18.1%, 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 Alden, IA?
Alden's population is 8.2% White, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.