Carroll, IA
Population 10,261 · Iowa
About Carroll, IA
Carroll is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 10,261 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,323 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43 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 Carroll features a median home value of $184,100, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Carroll in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $718, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,806 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (3,029 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (1,506 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carroll shows an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carroll have an average one-way commute time of 11.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.6% of Carroll residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Carroll Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Carroll, IA
Compared to national averages, Carroll has a median household income of $59,323 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $184,100, which is 25% below the national median. Monthly rent at $718 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Carroll's income is 13% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 39% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Carroll, IA?
Carroll offers affordable housing with a median home value of $184,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $718/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 10.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,323) that falls below the national average. However, Carroll’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carroll has a population of 10,261 with a median age of 43 years. Compare Carroll with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Carroll
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Madison | 10,221 | $49,359 | $95,900 | Compare |
| Waverly | 10,446 | $78,429 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Le Mars | 10,597 | $72,381 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Pella | 10,624 | $81,201 | $259,600 | Compare |
| Keokuk | 9,748 | $49,340 | $93,700 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 10,796 | $86,890 | $284,100 | Compare |
| Grinnell | 9,527 | $64,426 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Fairfield | 9,438 | $48,302 | $152,900 | 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 Carroll With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carroll
What is the population of Carroll, IA?
The population of Carroll, IA is 10,261 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Carroll?
The median household income in Carroll, IA is $59,323 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carroll?
The median home value in Carroll, IA is $184,100, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carroll?
The median monthly rent in Carroll, IA is $718, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carroll?
The unemployment rate in Carroll, IA is 3.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Carroll, IA a good place to live?
Carroll offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 10,261 and a median age of 43, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carroll, IA?
25.6% of residents in Carroll 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 Carroll?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carroll, IA: median home value is $184,100 (25% below national), median rent is $718/month, and median household income is $59,323. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Carroll?
The poverty rate in Carroll, IA is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Carroll, IA?
Carroll's population is 1.1% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.