Arcadia, IA
Population 859 · Iowa
About Arcadia, IA
Arcadia is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 859 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22.8 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 Arcadia features a median home value of $139,500, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Arcadia one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $816, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 271 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (167 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (96 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Arcadia 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 3.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Arcadia have an average one-way commute time of 13.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.9% of Arcadia 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 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Arcadia, IA
Compared to national averages, Arcadia has a median household income of $69,408 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $139,500, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $816 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Arcadia's income is 2% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 5% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Arcadia, IA?
Arcadia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $139,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $816/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 13.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,408) that falls below the national average. However, Arcadia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Arcadia has a population of 859 with a median age of 22.8 years. Compare Arcadia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Arcadia
What is the population of Arcadia, IA?
The population of Arcadia, IA is 859 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 Arcadia?
The median household income in Arcadia, IA is $69,408 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Arcadia?
The median home value in Arcadia, IA is $139,500, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Arcadia?
The median monthly rent in Arcadia, IA is $816, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Arcadia?
The unemployment rate in Arcadia, 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 Arcadia, IA a good place to live?
Arcadia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 859 and a median age of 22.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Arcadia, IA?
16.9% of residents in Arcadia 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 Arcadia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Arcadia, IA: median home value is $139,500 (43% below national), median rent is $816/month, and median household income is $69,408. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Arcadia?
The poverty rate in Arcadia, IA is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Arcadia, IA?
Arcadia's population is 0.0% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.