Cantril, IA
Population 307 · Iowa
About Cantril, IA
Cantril is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 307 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,500 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.3 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 Cantril features a median home value of $76,200, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cantril one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,025, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 174 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (122 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (26 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cantril shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Cantril have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.4% of Cantril 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 0.7% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 8.8% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cantril, IA
Compared to national averages, Cantril has a median household income of $37,500 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $76,200, which is 69% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,025 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Cantril's income is 45% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 42% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Cantril, IA?
Cantril offers affordable housing with a median home value of $76,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,025/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,500) that falls below the national average. However, Cantril’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cantril has a population of 307 with a median age of 52.3 years. Compare Cantril 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 Cantril
What is the population of Cantril, IA?
The population of Cantril, IA is 307 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 Cantril?
The median household income in Cantril, IA is $37,500 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cantril?
The median home value in Cantril, IA is $76,200, which is 69% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cantril?
The median monthly rent in Cantril, IA is $1,025, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cantril?
The unemployment rate in Cantril, IA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cantril, IA a good place to live?
Cantril offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 307 and a median age of 52.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Cantril, IA?
17.4% of residents in Cantril 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 Cantril?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cantril, IA: median home value is $76,200 (69% below national), median rent is $1,025/month, and median household income is $37,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Cantril?
The poverty rate in Cantril, IA is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Cantril, IA?
Cantril's population is 0.7% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 8.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.