Algona, IA
Population 5,414 · Iowa
About Algona, IA
Algona is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 5,414 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,542 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 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 Algona features a median home value of $156,200, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Algona in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $887, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,710 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (1,652 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (885 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Algona 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 7.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Algona have an average one-way commute time of 11.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.7% of Algona 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 4.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 6.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Algona, IA
Compared to national averages, Algona has a median household income of $52,542 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $156,200, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $887 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Algona's income is 23% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 18% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Algona, IA?
Algona offers affordable housing with a median home value of $156,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $887/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,542) that falls below the national average. However, Algona’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Algona has a population of 5,414 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare Algona with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Algona
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheldon | 5,386 | $68,448 | $173,600 | Compare |
| Winterset | 5,384 | $69,268 | $181,500 | Compare |
| Centerville | 5,377 | $41,472 | $99,000 | Compare |
| Clarinda | 5,366 | $50,644 | $112,200 | Compare |
| Spirit Lake | 5,469 | $73,627 | $218,400 | Compare |
| Osceola | 5,495 | $62,363 | $145,300 | Compare |
| DeWitt | 5,535 | $84,474 | $223,100 | Compare |
| Red Oak | 5,542 | $52,996 | $91,600 | 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 Algona With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Algona
What is the population of Algona, IA?
The population of Algona, IA is 5,414 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 Algona?
The median household income in Algona, IA is $52,542 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Algona?
The median home value in Algona, IA is $156,200, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Algona?
The median monthly rent in Algona, IA is $887, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Algona?
The unemployment rate in Algona, 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 Algona, IA a good place to live?
Algona offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,414 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Algona, IA?
23.7% of residents in Algona 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 Algona?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Algona, IA: median home value is $156,200 (36% below national), median rent is $887/month, and median household income is $52,542. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Algona?
The poverty rate in Algona, IA is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Algona, IA?
Algona's population is 4.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 6.5% of residents are foreign-born.