Anita, IA
Population 1,060 · Iowa
About Anita, IA
Anita is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,060 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,375 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.9 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 Anita features a median home value of $114,500, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Anita one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $717, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 518 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (404 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (60 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Anita shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Anita have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.9% of Anita 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 2.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Anita, IA
Compared to national averages, Anita has a median household income of $65,375 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $114,500, which is 53% below the national median. Monthly rent at $717 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Anita's income is 4% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 13% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Anita, IA?
Anita offers affordable housing with a median home value of $114,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $717/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,375) that falls below the national average. However, Anita’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Anita has a population of 1,060 with a median age of 47.9 years. Compare Anita with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Anita
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston | 1,057 | $82,950 | $144,600 | Compare |
| Swisher | 1,064 | $99,118 | $249,800 | Compare |
| Winfield | 1,065 | $46,364 | $99,800 | Compare |
| George | 1,049 | $59,167 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Larchwood | 1,076 | $69,327 | $189,700 | Compare |
| Fredericksburg | 1,040 | $65,809 | $164,100 | Compare |
| Riverside | 1,040 | $81,094 | $191,100 | Compare |
| Winthrop | 1,081 | $64,904 | $149,200 | 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 Anita With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Anita
What is the population of Anita, IA?
The population of Anita, IA is 1,060 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 Anita?
The median household income in Anita, IA is $65,375 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Anita?
The median home value in Anita, IA is $114,500, which is 53% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Anita?
The median monthly rent in Anita, IA is $717, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Anita?
The unemployment rate in Anita, IA is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Anita, IA a good place to live?
Anita offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,060 and a median age of 47.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Anita, IA?
15.9% of residents in Anita 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 Anita?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Anita, IA: median home value is $114,500 (53% below national), median rent is $717/month, and median household income is $65,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Anita?
The poverty rate in Anita, IA is 17.7%, 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 Anita, IA?
Anita's population is 2.2% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.