Atlantic, IA
Population 6,773 · Iowa
About Atlantic, IA
Atlantic is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 6,773 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,486 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 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 Atlantic features a median home value of $134,900, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Atlantic one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $750, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,493 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,958 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (1,205 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Atlantic shows an unemployment rate of 0.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 23.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Atlantic have an average one-way commute time of 10.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.1% of Atlantic 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 1.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Atlantic Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Atlantic, IA
Compared to national averages, Atlantic has a median household income of $57,486 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,900, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $750 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Atlantic's income is 15% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 2% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Atlantic, IA?
Atlantic offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $750/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 10.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,486) that falls below the national average. However, Atlantic’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Atlantic has a population of 6,773 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Atlantic with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Atlantic
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eldridge | 6,743 | $101,089 | $329,400 | Compare |
| Nevada | 6,952 | $75,221 | $177,800 | Compare |
| Hiawatha | 7,178 | $67,628 | $210,200 | Compare |
| Orange City | 6,312 | $81,667 | $245,300 | Compare |
| Adel | 6,259 | $96,905 | $320,500 | Compare |
| Washington | 7,314 | $56,536 | $144,500 | Compare |
| Charles City | 7,321 | $56,734 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Independence | 6,149 | $72,250 | $156,900 | 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 Atlantic With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlantic
What is the population of Atlantic, IA?
The population of Atlantic, IA is 6,773 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 Atlantic?
The median household income in Atlantic, IA is $57,486 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Atlantic?
The median home value in Atlantic, IA is $134,900, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Atlantic?
The median monthly rent in Atlantic, IA is $750, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Atlantic?
The unemployment rate in Atlantic, IA is 0.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Atlantic, IA a good place to live?
Atlantic offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,773 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Atlantic, IA?
24.1% of residents in Atlantic 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 Atlantic?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Atlantic, IA: median home value is $134,900 (45% below national), median rent is $750/month, and median household income is $57,486. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Atlantic?
The poverty rate in Atlantic, IA is 23.8%, 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 Atlantic, IA?
Atlantic's population is 1.6% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 0.1% of residents are foreign-born.