Calamus, IA
Population 405 · Iowa
About Calamus, IA
Calamus is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 405 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,250 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Calamus features a median home value of $123,000, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Calamus one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $625, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 168 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (154 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (14 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Calamus 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 3.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Calamus have an average one-way commute time of 36.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
18.2% of Calamus 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 1.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Calamus, IA
Compared to national averages, Calamus has a median household income of $66,250 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $123,000, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $625 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Calamus's income is 2% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 7% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Calamus, IA?
Calamus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $123,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $625/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 3.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,250) that falls below the national average. However, Calamus’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Calamus has a population of 405 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Calamus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Calamus
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth | 405 | $66,250 | $105,200 | Compare |
| New Market | 407 | $58,125 | $92,000 | Compare |
| Riverdale | 408 | $88,500 | $270,000 | Compare |
| Spillville | 409 | $42,750 | $156,600 | Compare |
| Worthington | 401 | $81,875 | $150,500 | Compare |
| Alleman | 400 | $120,833 | $275,700 | Compare |
| Lime Springs | 410 | $62,083 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Massena | 410 | $61,250 | $96,900 | 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 Calamus With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Calamus
What is the population of Calamus, IA?
The population of Calamus, IA is 405 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 Calamus?
The median household income in Calamus, IA is $66,250 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Calamus?
The median home value in Calamus, IA is $123,000, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Calamus?
The median monthly rent in Calamus, IA is $625, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Calamus?
The unemployment rate in Calamus, 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 Calamus, IA a good place to live?
Calamus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 405 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Calamus, IA?
18.2% of residents in Calamus 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 Calamus?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Calamus, IA: median home value is $123,000 (50% below national), median rent is $625/month, and median household income is $66,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Calamus?
The poverty rate in Calamus, IA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Calamus, IA?
Calamus's population is 1.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.