Battle Creek, IA
Population 822 · Iowa
About Battle Creek, IA
Battle Creek is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 822 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,519 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.6 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 Battle Creek features a median home value of $72,300, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Battle Creek one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $450, 61% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 418 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (287 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (72 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Battle Creek shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Battle Creek have an average one-way commute time of 15.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.1% of Battle Creek 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, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Battle Creek Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Battle Creek, IA
Compared to national averages, Battle Creek has a median household income of $59,519 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,300, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $450 is 61% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Battle Creek's income is 12% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 45% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Battle Creek, IA?
Battle Creek offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $450/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,519) that falls below the national average. However, Battle Creek’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Battle Creek has a population of 822 with a median age of 47.6 years. Compare Battle Creek 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 Battle Creek
What is the population of Battle Creek, IA?
The population of Battle Creek, IA is 822 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 Battle Creek?
The median household income in Battle Creek, IA is $59,519 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Battle Creek?
The median home value in Battle Creek, IA is $72,300, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Battle Creek?
The median monthly rent in Battle Creek, IA is $450, which is 61% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Battle Creek?
The unemployment rate in Battle Creek, IA is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Battle Creek, IA a good place to live?
Battle Creek offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 822 and a median age of 47.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Battle Creek, IA?
9.1% of residents in Battle Creek 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 Battle Creek?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Battle Creek, IA: median home value is $72,300 (70% below national), median rent is $450/month, and median household income is $59,519. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Battle Creek?
The poverty rate in Battle Creek, IA is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Battle Creek, IA?
Battle Creek's population is 0.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.