Barnum, IA
Population 279 · Iowa
About Barnum, IA
Barnum is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 279 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,580 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.1 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 Barnum features a median home value of $132,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Barnum one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $495, 57% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 115 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (98 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (9 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Barnum shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Barnum have an average one-way commute time of 17.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
2.0% of Barnum 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, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Barnum Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Barnum, IA
Compared to national averages, Barnum has a median household income of $83,580 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,500, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $495 is 57% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Barnum's income is 23% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 0% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Barnum, IA?
Barnum offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,580, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $132,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $495/month. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.3 minutes.
Barnum has a population of 279 with a median age of 27.1 years. Compare Barnum 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 Barnum
What is the population of Barnum, IA?
The population of Barnum, IA is 279 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 Barnum?
The median household income in Barnum, IA is $83,580 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Barnum?
The median home value in Barnum, IA is $132,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Barnum?
The median monthly rent in Barnum, IA is $495, which is 57% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Barnum?
The unemployment rate in Barnum, IA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Barnum, IA a good place to live?
Barnum offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 279 and a median age of 27.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Barnum, IA?
2.0% of residents in Barnum 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 Barnum?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Barnum, IA: median home value is $132,500 (46% below national), median rent is $495/month, and median household income is $83,580. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Barnum?
The poverty rate in Barnum, IA is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Barnum, IA?
Barnum's population is 0.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.