Brooklyn, IA
Population 1,565 · Iowa
About Brooklyn, IA
Brooklyn is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,565 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,500 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brooklyn features a median home value of $123,600, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Brooklyn one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $813, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 642 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (412 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (180 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brooklyn shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brooklyn have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.7% of Brooklyn 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 2.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brooklyn, IA
Compared to national averages, Brooklyn has a median household income of $71,500 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,600, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $813 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Brooklyn's income is 5% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 7% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Brooklyn, IA?
Brooklyn offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $813/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,500) that falls below the national average. However, Brooklyn’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brooklyn has a population of 1,565 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Brooklyn with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Brooklyn
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corydon | 1,566 | $48,988 | $88,800 | Compare |
| Corning | 1,573 | $60,446 | $84,700 | Compare |
| Dysart | 1,575 | $62,308 | $156,500 | Compare |
| Ackley | 1,554 | $61,667 | $99,200 | Compare |
| Holstein | 1,552 | $61,625 | $113,200 | Compare |
| State Center | 1,548 | $72,303 | $156,300 | Compare |
| Hartley | 1,588 | $51,118 | $108,400 | Compare |
| Wellman | 1,539 | $56,696 | $149,000 | 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 Brooklyn With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brooklyn
What is the population of Brooklyn, IA?
The population of Brooklyn, IA is 1,565 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 Brooklyn?
The median household income in Brooklyn, IA is $71,500 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brooklyn?
The median home value in Brooklyn, IA is $123,600, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brooklyn?
The median monthly rent in Brooklyn, IA is $813, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brooklyn?
The unemployment rate in Brooklyn, IA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brooklyn, IA a good place to live?
Brooklyn offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,565 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brooklyn, IA?
15.7% of residents in Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brooklyn, IA: median home value is $123,600 (50% below national), median rent is $813/month, and median household income is $71,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Brooklyn?
The poverty rate in Brooklyn, IA is 18.8%, 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 Brooklyn, IA?
Brooklyn's population is 2.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.