Baxter, IA
Population 1,251 · Iowa
About Baxter, IA
Baxter is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,251 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,625 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33 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 Baxter features a median home value of $162,300, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Baxter in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $693, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 480 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (348 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (115 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Baxter shows an unemployment rate of 1.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Baxter have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.1% of Baxter 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 0.2% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Baxter, IA
Compared to national averages, Baxter has a median household income of $60,625 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $162,300, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $693 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Baxter's income is 11% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 23% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Baxter, IA?
Baxter offers affordable housing with a median home value of $162,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $693/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,625) that falls below the national average. However, Baxter’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Baxter has a population of 1,251 with a median age of 33 years. Compare Baxter with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Baxter
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkader | 1,249 | $61,786 | $134,300 | Compare |
| Clarksville | 1,248 | $55,781 | $114,200 | Compare |
| Tripoli | 1,256 | $75,988 | $116,200 | Compare |
| Montezuma | 1,257 | $63,375 | $157,800 | Compare |
| Dike | 1,258 | $88,523 | $235,900 | Compare |
| Fayette | 1,242 | $39,297 | $123,300 | Compare |
| Central City | 1,266 | $81,607 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Marcus | 1,236 | $75,288 | $174,100 | 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 Baxter With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Baxter
What is the population of Baxter, IA?
The population of Baxter, IA is 1,251 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 Baxter?
The median household income in Baxter, IA is $60,625 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Baxter?
The median home value in Baxter, IA is $162,300, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Baxter?
The median monthly rent in Baxter, IA is $693, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Baxter?
The unemployment rate in Baxter, IA is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Baxter, IA a good place to live?
Baxter offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,251 and a median age of 33, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Baxter, IA?
20.1% of residents in Baxter 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 Baxter?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Baxter, IA: median home value is $162,300 (34% below national), median rent is $693/month, and median household income is $60,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Baxter?
The poverty rate in Baxter, IA is 15.3%, 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 Baxter, IA?
Baxter's population is 0.2% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.