Bridgewater, IA
Population 131 · Iowa
About Bridgewater, IA
Bridgewater is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 131 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,167 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bridgewater features a median home value of $70,500, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bridgewater one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $535, 54% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 62 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (55 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (7 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bridgewater shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bridgewater have an average one-way commute time of 23.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.6% of Bridgewater 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, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bridgewater Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Bridgewater, IA
Compared to national averages, Bridgewater has a median household income of $59,167 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $70,500, which is 71% below the national median. Monthly rent at $535 is 54% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Bridgewater's income is 13% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 47% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Bridgewater, IA?
Bridgewater offers affordable housing with a median home value of $70,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $535/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,167) that falls below the national average. However, Bridgewater’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bridgewater has a population of 131 with a median age of 38.9 years. Compare Bridgewater with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Demographics
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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 Bridgewater
What is the population of Bridgewater, IA?
The population of Bridgewater, IA is 131 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 Bridgewater?
The median household income in Bridgewater, IA is $59,167 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bridgewater?
The median home value in Bridgewater, IA is $70,500, which is 71% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bridgewater?
The median monthly rent in Bridgewater, IA is $535, which is 54% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bridgewater?
The unemployment rate in Bridgewater, IA is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bridgewater, IA a good place to live?
Bridgewater offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 131 and a median age of 38.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bridgewater, IA?
17.6% of residents in Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bridgewater, IA: median home value is $70,500 (71% below national), median rent is $535/month, and median household income is $59,167. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bridgewater?
The poverty rate in Bridgewater, IA is 17.2%, 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 Bridgewater, IA?
Bridgewater's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% 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.